India’s Chess Players Shine in FIDE Ratings: Aravindh, Arjun, Gukesh, and Divya Desmukh Lead the Way

In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, Indian chess players have shown significant improvement in their FIDE ratings over the past year. The comparison between the FIDE rating lists of January 2024 and January 2025 reveals some impressive gains by Indian players.

Leading the pack in terms of rating gains are GMs Aravindh Chithambaram, Arjun Erigaisi, and Gukesh Dommaraju, with increases of +64, +63, and +52 points respectively. These players have made substantial progress in their rankings over the past 12 months, showcasing their skill and determination on the chessboard.

IM Divya Desmukh also deserves special mention for her outstanding performance on the women’s list, with a remarkable 70-point increase in her rating. This achievement has catapulted her from #41 to #14 in the world rankings, solidifying her position as one of the top female players in the world.

However, the publication of the January 2025 rating list was not without its hiccups. A notable omission was discovered soon after its release, prompting a quick correction to include the results of an event involving GM Ding Liren and Gukesh. This adjustment saw Ding Liren reenter the world’s top 20, claiming the 17th spot with a gain of six rating points.

As the chess world gears up for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the spotlight will be on players like Arjun, Gukesh, and Abdusattorov, who have made significant strides in the rankings. With promising young talents like these leading the charge, India’s success in the world of chess shows no signs of slowing down.

Overall, the FIDE rating lists for January 2025 reflect the incredible progress made by Indian players over the past year. With notable gains in ratings and rankings, these players have proven themselves as formidable competitors on the global chess stage.