Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship


India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.

Entertainment

From Struggles to Stardom: 16-Year-Old Ilamparthy AR Becomes India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster ♟️✨


At the tender age of five, while most children were learning their first alphabets, Ilamparthy AR was already mastering chess strategies. Growing up in modest circumstances, his passion for the game saw him travel alone across cities, often marked by financial challenges at home.

Now, at just 16, Ilamparthy has made history by becoming India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster — a feat that cements his place among the country’s brightest sporting minds.

His journey is a story of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. Each move on the board reflected his belief that intelligence thrives where determination meets opportunity.

As the chess world celebrates this young prodigy, Ilamparthy stands as a symbol of India’s emerging sporting spirit — one that is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable. ♟️🇮🇳

National

Divya Deshmukh Receives Hero’s Welcome in Nagpur After Historic Women’s World Cup Chess Win


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

July 31, Nagpur: Divya Deshmukh, India’s rising chess sensation, returned to her hometown of Nagpur to a grand reception after her stunning victory at the Women’s Chess World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.

At just 19 years old, Divya made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in a high-stakes tie-breaker after their classical games ended in a draw.

“I am feeling very happy that so many people have come to felicitate me, and chess is getting recognition,” she said, visibly moved by the overwhelming support.

Originally aiming only to secure a Grandmaster norm, Divya ended the tournament with much more: the World Cup trophy, the Grandmaster title, and a confirmed spot in the FIDE Candidates 2025, the final step toward challenging for the World Championship.

Divya’s victory was as emotional as it was historic. She paid tribute to her late coach Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020:

“He always wanted me to become the Grandmaster. This is for him.”

She also credited her parents, sister Arya, extended family, and coach GM Abhijit Kunte, whom she called her “lucky charm.”

Looking ahead, Divya plans to rest through August and then prepare for her next major challenge — the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 2–16.

Her victory signals a new era for Indian women in chess, proving that passion, preparation, and perseverance can defy even the steepest odds.

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Crowned FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion, Becomes Grandmaster


Batumi, Georgia | July 2025 – In a stunning display of strategic brilliance and poise, Divya Deshmukh clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, becoming only the 4th Indian woman to be awarded the Grandmaster title.

Facing off against the seasoned Indian chess icon Humpy Koneru in the finals, Divya’s victory marks a new era in Indian chess — one where youth, determination, and intellect are rewriting the narrative.

At just 18, Divya has already been turning heads in the chess world, but this landmark win in Batumi, Georgia cements her place among India’s greatest. Her rise is also a testament to the growing strength of women in Indian sports, particularly in the highly competitive world of chess.

The FIDE World Cup win is not only a personal triumph but a national celebration, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts across the country.

As messages pour in from sporting icons, political leaders, and fans worldwide, Divya Deshmukh’s moment of glory is a proud chapter in India’s sporting history.

📖 Read the full story on allycaral.com

Sports

Koneru Humpy Scripts History at FIDE Women’s World Cup, Becomes First Indian Woman in Semi-Finals


In a landmark moment for Indian chess and women in sports, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has become the first Indian woman ever to enter the semi-finals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup. This remarkable achievement not only reaffirms her place among the global elite but also lights the path for aspiring female chess players across the country.

A former World Rapid Chess Champion and one of India’s most decorated players, Koneru Humpy has consistently showcased her prowess on the global stage. Her path to the semi-finals was marked by tenacity, calculated brilliance, and composed aggression—traits that have become synonymous with her game.

The FIDE Women’s World Cup, one of the most prestigious events in international chess, draws the world’s best minds. Humpy’s performance so far underscores India’s rising prominence in chess and continues a legacy pioneered by legends like Viswanathan Anand.

This accomplishment is more than just a tournament milestone—it’s a testament to women’s growing strength in competitive chess, traditionally dominated by men. With each calculated move, Koneru Humpy not only wins games but also inspires a new wave of young girls to pick up the board and believe in their potential.

As she prepares for her semi-final clash, the entire nation stands behind her. Regardless of the outcome, she has already made history—and inspired history to follow.

Bravo, Grandmaster Humpy. India salutes you! 🇮🇳♟️