Aarav Dengla: India’s 93rd Grandmaster and a Rising Star in Chess

Aarav Dengla Becomes India’s 93rd Grandmaster: A Journey of Passion and Sacrifice

NEW DELHI: In the world of chess, where strategy meets intellect, Aarav Dengla has emerged as a beacon of hope and talent, becoming India’s 93rd Grandmaster (GM) at just 16 years old. His journey, marked by dedication and familial support, reflects the profound connection he shares with the game—a connection that his mother, Shipra Dengla, describes as a lifelong friendship.

“Chess is like a friend for life. If you have a board with you, you don’t need anybody else,” Shipra shared in an exclusive interview with Times of India. This sentiment encapsulates Aarav’s relationship with chess, a game that has not only challenged him but also shaped his identity.

The Architect of a Champion

Success in chess often demands sacrifices, and Shipra knows this all too well. When Aarav was just six, he skyrocketed from a rating of 1000 to nearly 1800 in a mere four months. “That was huge. I’ve never seen anything like this,” she recalled, reflecting on the moment that set Aarav on his path to greatness.

Despite his early success, a significant hurdle emerged when Aarav qualified for the World Championship in Brazil. Work commitments prevented his parents from accompanying him, leading Shipra to make a pivotal decision: she quit her job to support her son’s burgeoning career. “I knew this problem would keep coming up,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to Aarav’s dreams.

Roots in Bandra

Aarav’s chess journey began in the vibrant neighborhood of Bandra, where chess was a family affair. His grandfather, Bhavani Sharan Saxena, and maternal uncle, Ashish Saxena, were both accomplished players. “My father is an extremely good chess player. I learnt from him,” Shipra recalled, highlighting the familial legacy that nurtured Aarav’s passion.

At the age of five, Aarav was introduced to the game by his grandfather. A year later, he participated in a tournament alongside an older friend and won, igniting his competitive spirit. With the guidance of his father, Manoj Dengla, a CA rank holder and Harvard Business School alumnus, the family sought the best coaching available, leading them to veteran Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay.

A Balanced Approach

While Aarav’s chess journey flourished, academics remained a priority. He attended the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, where a strict attendance policy instilled discipline. “He has always played only during vacations from the age of six,” Shipra noted, emphasizing the balance between education and chess.

Aarav’s training intensified under Thipsay, who recognized his potential early on. “I was his first coach and the only one for 3-4 years. He was just five years old when we started training,” Thipsay recalled. Their sessions, often lasting an hour during evening walks, laid the foundation for Aarav’s chess acumen.

The Chennai Chapter

As Aarav’s skills developed, the family made periodic moves to Chennai, the epicenter of Indian chess, for advanced training. Under the tutelage of coach Vishnu Prasanna, Aarav honed his abilities further. “I remember Vishnu Prasanna’s statement in the first meeting when he met Aarav; he said there are some things in chess which cannot be taught. I see that in Aarav,” Shipra shared.

During the pandemic, Aarav trained alongside fellow prodigy D Gukesh, forging bonds that would last a lifetime. “Gukesh is a very good friend of his,” Shipra added, highlighting the camaraderie that exists among young chess talents.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the challenges of limited chess infrastructure in Mumbai, Aarav’s determination has propelled him to new heights. He recently secured his final GM norm at the GM & IM Round Robin Festival Saha Bijeljina 2026, finishing first with a score of 7/9.

Now, as he stands at the pinnacle of his chess career, Aarav remains grounded. He balances his training with physical fitness, engaging in strength training and various sports. “Fitness has a huge impact on a mental sport,” Shipra explained, emphasizing the holistic approach to his development.

As Aarav embarks on this new chapter as India’s 93rd Grandmaster, the future remains open-ended. “Would he like to aim for becoming world champion? Or take up academics as a priority? Nobody can predict,” Shipra concluded, leaving the door wide open for Aarav’s next moves—both on and off the chessboard.