Indian chess continues its impressive march with Harikrishnan A Ra becoming the nation’s 87th Grandmaster, marking another milestone in the country’s rich legacy of producing global-level players. His journey from a young boy learning basic tactics in Tamil Nadu to achieving the coveted GM title reflects dedication, resilience, and strategic brilliance.
Who Is Harikrishnan A Ra?
Born in 2002 in Tamil Nadu, Harikrishnan A Ra started playing chess at the age of six. His father, an avid chess enthusiast, introduced him to the game, and he began training systematically under regional coaches before moving to professional academies for rigorous development.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harikrishnan A Ra |
| Age | 22 years |
| Hometown | Tamil Nadu |
| FIDE ID | 25094130 |
| Current Rating | ~2515 |
| Title Achieved | Grandmaster (GM) |
| Major Trainer | GM R B Ramesh at Chess Gurukul, Chennai |
| Playing Style | Positional with strong tactical calculation |
His Journey To Grandmaster Title
1. First GM Norm
Harikrishnan secured his first GM norm at the First Saturday GM Round Robin event in Budapest in 2022. His consistent and fearless gameplay against higher-rated European GMs brought him into the spotlight.
2. Second GM Norm
In 2023, he scored his second GM norm at the Cannes Open, France, demonstrating positional dominance and endgame prowess, including a crucial win over French GM Jean-Noel Riff.
3. Final GM Norm
He completed his third and final GM norm at the Paracin Open 2025 in Serbia, defeating GM Evgeny Levin in a thrilling 76-move endgame battle that showcased his strategic maturity and mental endurance.
Key Career Highlights
| Year | Tournament | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | National U-17 Championship | Champion |
| 2019 | World Youth U-18 Championship | Silver Medal |
| 2022 | First Saturday GM, Budapest | First GM Norm |
| 2023 | Cannes Open, France | Second GM Norm |
| 2025 | Paracin Open, Serbia | Final GM Norm & GM Title |
What Makes Harikrishnan Special?
- Strong Endgame Technique: Known for converting minimal advantages into wins, an area where young Indian players often lag.
- Mental Strength: Maintains composure under severe time pressure, a trait admired by trainers.
- Opening Preparation: He is reputed for deep preparation in Queen’s Gambit Declined, Nimzo-Indian, and Ruy Lopez systems, often surprising stronger opponents.
Reactions From The Chess Community
Viswanathan Anand, India’s first GM and a global chess icon, congratulated Harikrishnan via X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Welcome to the elite GM club, Harikrishnan. Keep working hard. This is just the beginning of a greater journey.”
Coach GM R B Ramesh, under whom Harikrishnan trained, said:
“He has an incredible work ethic, discipline, and hunger to keep learning. The GM title will give him confidence to aim for 2600+ rating soon.”
India’s Growing Chess Strength
India is now home to 87 Grandmasters, a testament to systematic training infrastructure, tournaments, and online opportunities. With the upcoming Chess Olympiad and Asian Championships, players like Harikrishnan will add strategic depth to the national team.
| Milestone | Number |
|---|---|
| Total GMs in 2010 | 20 |
| Total GMs in 2020 | 65 |
| Total GMs in 2025 | 87 |
Future Goals
In interviews post-title achievement, Harikrishnan stated:
- He aims to cross 2600 rating by end-2026.
- Intends to participate in more European classical tournaments for international exposure.
- Will continue representing Tamil Nadu in national team events to inspire grassroots players in the state.
Personal Life And Interests
Despite a busy schedule of tournaments and preparation, Harikrishnan finds time for reading chess biographies, yoga for focus, and running for fitness. He credits his parents and elder sister for constant motivation during difficult phases.
Upcoming Tournaments For Harikrishnan
- Biel Chess Festival, Switzerland (July 2025)
- Isle of Man Open (September 2025)
- National Senior Chess Championship (December 2025)
Why His Success Matters
Harikrishnan’s journey sends a powerful message:
- To parents: Investing in sports training can lead to global recognition.
- To young players: Consistency, discipline, and learning from defeats are keys to success.
- To Indian chess ecosystem: The feeder system is robust and ready to produce more 2700-rated elite players in coming years.
Chess Experts View
Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay noted:
“Indian chess has never been stronger at the grassroots. Players like Harikrishnan will ensure India continues to challenge Russia and China for top spots in the next decade.”
Social Media Reactions
- #HarikrishnanARaGM trended in Indian chess circles as fans lauded his achievement.
- Chess academies shared his games for students to learn strategic transitions and endgame techniques.
Conclusion
Harikrishnan A Ra’s elevation as India’s 87th Grandmaster is not just an individual triumph but a collective achievement for Indian chess. His rise is an inspiring story of talent, perseverance, and strategic excellence. As he sets his sights on greater goals like the 2600 rating mark and the World Cup qualifications, the Indian chess fraternity will continue to back this young master with pride and hope.
Disclaimer: This news article is for general informational purposes only and summarises publicly available information on Harikrishnan A Ra’s chess career. It is not intended as professional advice or endorsement of any individual, tournament, or training academy.
