Mayank Chakraborty Makes History as India’s 94th Grandmaster and First from the North-East
Mayank Chakraborty Makes History as India’s 94th Grandmaster and First from the North-East
Guwahati, Assam – March 14, 2026
In a remarkable achievement that has sent ripples of pride across the nation, 17-year-old Mayank Chakraborty from Guwahati has become India’s 94th Grandmaster and the first ever from the North-East region. This milestone was reached when Chakraborty secured his third and final GM norm at the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Chess Talents Tournament, where he showcased his exceptional talent by defeating Swedish International Master Philip Lindgren.
Chakraborty, who became an International Master in 2024, clinched his final GM norm with one round to spare, achieving the required 6.5 points. His performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of stellar, finishing with seven points out of a possible nine, which included six wins, two draws, and just one loss. In the final round, he drew an exciting match against English International Master Jonah B Willow, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor.
Not only did Chakraborty secure his Grandmaster title, but he also surpassed the crucial 2500 Elo rating mark during the tournament, meeting the requirements set by FIDE, the international chess federation. His current rating slightly exceeds this threshold, confirming his place among the elite in chess.
Chakraborty’s journey to this historic achievement has been marked by consistent excellence. He previously held the title of the top-ranked player in India and Asia in the Under-11 category and had a breakthrough season in 2021 while competing in Europe, where he dramatically increased his Elo rating from the 1800s to nearly 2200, ranking as world No. 6 for boys born on or after 2009.
His early accolades include being the Under-9 national silver medallist, Under-11 national gold medallist, and winning the Under-10 silver medal at the Asian Youth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka. These accomplishments have laid a strong foundation for his burgeoning career.
Chakrabotty’s success is a testament to the unwavering support of his family. His mother, a doctor, has been a constant source of encouragement, while his father made the significant decision to leave his job to accompany him to tournaments, ensuring he has the support he needs to excel.
As the chess community celebrates this historic achievement, Mayank Chakraborty stands as an inspiration to aspiring chess players across India, particularly in the North-East, proving that with dedication and support, dreams can indeed become a reality.
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