Harshavardhan GB Becomes India’s 97th Grandmaster After Final Norm in Chennai

Harshavardhan GB of Chennai has completed his title requirements for the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, becoming India’s 97th Grandmaster. He secured his final GM norm at the Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026, held in Chennai from 20 June to 28 June 2026.

The Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) reported that the tournament, organised under the Chola Chess banner, served as the decisive stage for Harshavardhan’s title journey. With the completion of his final norm, he joins an elite group of Indian chess players who hold the Grandmaster title, the highest personal title awarded by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) short of the World Champion designation.

A Second Title Push in Parallel

The Chola Chess International events in Chennai were not limited to the GM category. Alongside the GM norm event, the First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 was conducted over the same dates, from 20 June to 28 June 2026. The IM event produced another notable Indian result, with FM Daakshin Arun earning his second International Master (IM) norm.

Daakshin Arun’s progress indicates continued momentum in his pursuit of the IM title, which sits one rung below the Grandmaster title on FIDE’s ladder of permanent titles. Securing multiple IM norms is a key step in that journey, alongside reaching the required rating threshold.

Highlights

• Harshavardhan GB secured his final GM norm at the Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 in Chennai.
• The tournament ran from 20 June to 28 June 2026.
• With this achievement, Harshavardhan GB becomes India’s 97th Grandmaster.
• The First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 was held concurrently at the same venue and dates.
• FM Daakshin Arun earned his second International Master norm at the IM event.
• Both achievements were reported by the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA).

Tamil Nadu’s Role in India’s Chess Growth

Chennai has long been regarded as one of India’s foremost hubs for competitive chess, hosting a steady calendar of norm-bearing round robins and international open events. The Chola Chess International series adds another fixture to that calendar, providing rated platforms where aspirants can pursue norms and rating gains. The dual-event format, pairing a GM norm section with an IM norm section, allows organisers to cater to a wider pool of titled and aspiring players simultaneously.

For Harshavardhan, who hails from Chennai itself, securing the milestone on home soil carries particular resonance. For Daakshin Arun, the second IM norm signals that his trajectory towards the IM title remains firmly on course, with further opportunities likely in upcoming TNSCA-affiliated events.

Source

This report is based on information published by Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA).

Official source: https://tamilchess.com/harshavardhan-gb-becomes-indias-97th-grandmaster/