Mayank Chakraborty: North East’s First Grandmaster and India’s 94th Chess Prodigy

Mayank Chakraborty: India’s 94th Grandmaster and the First from the North East

In a historic achievement for Indian chess, Mayank Chakraborty has become the country’s 94th Grandmaster and the first ever from the North East region. The 16-year-old prodigy from Assam clinched his final Grandmaster norm at the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Young Talents tournament in Sweden, marking a significant milestone not just for himself, but for aspiring chess players across the North East.

Chakraborty’s journey to this prestigious title was anything but easy. He secured his Grandmaster status by defeating Philip Lindgren in a crucial penultimate round, ultimately finishing the tournament with an impressive score of 7 points out of 9, a full point ahead of the runner-up. His stellar performance has not only earned him accolades but is also expected to inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts in the region.

A Journey of Determination

Mayank’s love for chess began at the tender age of six, but he initially pursued badminton, inspired by PV Sindhu’s silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. However, the physically demanding nature of badminton led him back to the chessboard, where he found his true calling. By the age of 12, he had already claimed the title of Under-17 national champion—a title he would win twice.

Despite facing challenges in accessing top-tier coaching in Assam, Mayank and his family remained steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. In 2023, he became only the second person from the North East to achieve the title of International Master, following Shahil Dey, who was the first in 2021. With his recent Grandmaster title, Chakraborty has set a new benchmark for chess in the region.

The Backbone of Success

Behind every successful athlete is a support system, and for Mayank, that pillar has been his mother, Monomita Chakraborty. A gynaecologist in Guwahati, she introduced Mayank to chess and has been instrumental in his journey. Monomita made significant sacrifices, including leaving her government job in 2022 to focus entirely on her son’s chess career. She has traveled with him to tournaments, providing unwavering support and guidance.

“It was Mayank’s goal to become the first GM from the Northeast. Since the purpose was larger, the motivation was perhaps greater. It was challenging for the family to get here. But he’s finally a GM now, and it’s only the beginning,” she shared with the Hindustan Times.

A Bright Future Ahead

Mayank Chakraborty’s remarkable achievement is not just a personal victory; it symbolizes hope and potential for the future of chess in the North East. As he continues to break barriers and set new records, the chess community eagerly anticipates the impact his success will have on the sport in the region.

With his eyes set on further accomplishments, Mayank is poised to inspire countless young players to follow in his footsteps, proving that with determination and support, dreams can indeed become a reality.