Harshavardhan GB: India’s 97th Grandmaster Celebrates Triumph with Proud Parents in Chennai
Grandmaster Harshavardhan GB: A New Chapter in Indian Chess
NEW DELHI: As India inches closer to the historic milestone of producing 100 Grandmasters, Chennai, the revered “Mecca of Indian chess,” has once again taken center stage. On Sunday, Harshavardhan GB proudly claimed the title of India’s 97th Grandmaster, solidifying his place in chess history.
In a thrilling finale at the 2nd Chola Chess GM Norm Round Robin Tournament, the 22-year-old secured his third and final GM norm by finishing second with an impressive score of 6.5/9 points, thanks to three wins and a draw in his last four games. The moment he confirmed his draw against veteran Mihail Nikitenko, the atmosphere erupted with congratulations from fellow players and tournament organizers. But for Harshavardhan, the real celebration awaited outside the playing hall, where he was greeted by his emotional mother, who struggled to hold back tears of joy.
“I’m feeling relieved, first of all, on finally completing it,” Harshavardhan shared in an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com. “It’s special that I earned my IM title here in Chennai, and now my GM title as well.”
A Family’s Triumph
The emotional scenes outside the venue mirrored the joy at home, where Harshavardhan’s father, Gopalakrishnan K, a respected FIDE trainer and former competitive player, celebrated his son’s monumental achievement. “No words can explain his happiness. He was extremely excited to be there,” Harshavardhan noted, reflecting on his father’s pride.
The victory was also a tribute to his mother, who had been his steadfast companion throughout his chess journey. “She used to accompany me to every single tournament until the last three years,” he recalled, highlighting her unwavering support even as he began traveling alone.
The Making of a Grandmaster
Harshavardhan’s chess journey began in the cozy confines of his family home. By the age of four, he was captivated by the game while watching training sessions hosted by his father for visiting International Masters and Grandmasters. Recognizing his son’s potential, Gopalakrishnan enlisted FM Hariharan Venkatachalam to coach him, who quickly identified Harshavardhan’s exceptional talent.
“He was a very bright student, very fast in calculation,” Hariharan remarked, noting the young player’s early affinity for tactics. As Harshavardhan progressed, he earned the affectionate nickname “legend” among his peers for his sharp tactical eye and creative ideas.
His impressive junior career included multiple medals at Asian Championships and a string of state titles, culminating in a FIDE World Youth Online Under-18 gold in 2021 and an Asian Juniors gold in 2022.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his chess-centric upbringing, Harshavardhan faced significant hurdles on his path to the Grandmaster title. The psychological weight of the sport was palpable, especially during his long pursuit of the final GM norm after earning his International Master title in 2020. “I missed a GM norm in like 10 to 15 tournaments very easily,” he lamented, recounting the heartbreak of near-misses.
International travel posed its own challenges, from severe flight delays to maintaining a strict vegetarian diet abroad. Financial constraints added to the pressure, as Harshavardhan navigated the expensive tournament circuit without a primary sponsor. “Every single time you travel, you spend a lot,” he explained, emphasizing the burden on his small family.
Looking Ahead
With his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce completed in 2024, Harshavardhan has committed to pursuing chess as a full-time career. Now that the weight of the Grandmaster title has been lifted, he has set his sights on reaching the elite ranks of global chess.
“My only hope is to get to 2600, 2700 and become a super GM,” he concluded, embodying the determination and passion that have defined his journey thus far.
As Harshavardhan GB steps into this new chapter, he not only carries the legacy of his family but also the hopes of a nation eager to celebrate its next Grandmaster milestone.