Inspired by a Crab: P. Shyam Nikhil’s 12-Year Journey to Becoming India’s 85th Chess Grand Master

After a 12-year wait filled with near misses and struggles, India’s 85th chess Grand Master (GM) P. Shyam Nikhil has finally achieved his third and final GM norm, solidifying his place in the elite chess world. But the journey to this milestone was far from easy, with setbacks and challenges along the way.

Shyam, who became an International Master (IM) at 18 in 2010, had secured his first two GM norms in 2011. However, the third norm proved to be elusive, leading to a long and arduous wait. Despite his initial confidence, the norm seemed to slip further away with each passing tournament.

The pressure to achieve the norm was not only internal but also external, with family members eagerly awaiting his success. His mother, in particular, would stay up all night following his games online, sending encouraging messages after each round. While the support was appreciated, it also added to the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

Throughout his journey, Shyam drew inspiration from his surroundings, much like King Robert the Bruce and his encounter with a spider. A chance encounter with a crab on a Sri Lankan seashore left a lasting impact on him, teaching him the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of challenges.

Financial constraints also posed a significant hurdle for Shyam, preventing him from participating in foreign tournaments necessary for achieving the GM norm. It was only after securing employment with the Indian Railways in 2017 that he was able to overcome this barrier and pursue his chess career on an international level.

Despite growing up in a time when chess engines and the internet were not as prevalent, Shyam honed his skills through manual training and practice. He immersed himself in the world of chess, studying games by legendary players like Mikhail Tal, Garry Kasparov, and Bobby Fischer to improve his own gameplay.

Now, with the GM title under his belt, Shyam sees this achievement as just the beginning of his chess career. He aims to further elevate his game and reach the coveted ‘Super GM’ level by improving his Elo rating to 2600. With determination, perseverance, and a newfound sense of purpose, Shyam is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead in his chess journey.