India Welcomes Its 93rd Grandmaster: Aarav Dengla Shines at Just 17!
Aarav Dengla Becomes India’s 93rd Grandmaster, Marking a New Era in Indian Chess
Mumbai, March 1, 2026 — In a remarkable achievement for Indian chess, 17-year-old Aarav Dengla from Mumbai has officially become the country’s 93rd Grandmaster (GM). This milestone comes 38 years after Viswanathan Anand, the first Indian to earn the prestigious title, paved the way for future generations of chess prodigies.
Dengla clinched his third and final GM norm and crossed the coveted 2500 Elo rating barrier at the GM Mix Bijeljina and GM Norm Round Robin Tournament held in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His journey to this pinnacle began in 2022 when he earned his first GM norm at the 1st International Grandmaster Tournament Bijeljina. He followed this up with a second norm at the Zupanja Celebrates Chess GM Norm Round Robin in Croatia in 2025.
With this achievement, Dengla joins the ranks of notable chess players from Mumbai, becoming the third GM from the city after Praveen Thipsay and Aditya Mittal. He is also the second Indian to attain the GM title in 2026, following Aaryan Varshney, who became the 92nd GM earlier this year.
The rise of young talents like Dengla reflects the growing chess culture in India, which has produced four female Grandmasters: Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, R. Vaishali, and Divya Deshmukh. The increasing number of GMs in the country showcases the dedication and potential of Indian players on the global stage.
As India celebrates this latest achievement, the chess community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for Dengla and his contemporaries. With the support of a robust chess infrastructure and a legacy of excellence, the next generation of Indian chess players is poised to make their mark in the international arena.
For a complete list of Indian Grandmasters, visit here.
The Future of Indian Chess Looks Bright
As Aarav Dengla steps into the spotlight, he embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that has come to define Indian chess. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring players across the nation, proving that with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.