Mayank Chakraborty: A Historic Leap to Grandmaster Status at Just 17
Historic Triumph: Assam’s Mayank Chakraborty Becomes Northeast India’s First Chess Grandmaster
Stockholm, Sweden – History was made on Saturday as 17-year-old Mayank Chakraborty from Assam achieved a monumental milestone in the world of chess, becoming the first Grandmaster (GM) from Northeast India and the 94th Indian to earn the prestigious title. Chakraborty sealed his third and final GM norm with a commanding victory over Swedish International Master Philip Lindgren during the eighth round of the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Young Talents chess tournament.
With a round to spare, Chakraborty showcased his exceptional skills, accumulating an impressive 6.5 points to secure his final norm. In a thrilling conclusion, he played to a draw against English IM Jonah B Willow in the final round, solidifying what has been described as his most memorable performance to date.
Chakraborty’s journey to this historic achievement has been a testament to his talent and determination. Born in a region known more for its football passion, his parents quickly recognized his gift for chess. His mother, a doctor, and his father, who left his job to nurture his son’s dreams, have been unwavering supporters throughout his journey.
From a young age, Chakraborty made waves in the chess community, earning accolades in various age-group tournaments. He captured national silver in the Under-9 category and gold in the Under-11 category, along with a silver medal at the Asian Youth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka. His rapid ascent saw him become India and Asia’s No. 1 in the Under-11 category.
The pivotal year of 2021 marked a turning point in his career. Competing in Europe, Chakraborty dramatically improved his Elo rating from the 1800s to nearly 2200, achieving the remarkable feat of being ranked world No. 6 among boys born in 2009 or later. By 2024, he had already earned the title of International Master.
This week, Chakraborty crossed the critical 2500 Elo rating mark, confirming his Grandmaster title as per FIDE regulations. His tournament performance was stellar, with six wins, two draws, and only one loss, culminating in a total of seven points out of nine. He clinched the tournament title with a half-point lead over Norwegian player Aksel Bu Kvaloy, who had to forfeit in the last round.
Chakraborty’s achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players in India, particularly in the Northeast. As he continues to break barriers and set new standards in the chess world, the future looks bright for this young prodigy from Assam.