On 11th July 2025, Indian chess player Harikrishnan A Ra achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster (GM), becoming the 87th Grandmaster of India. This marks a significant milestone in Indian chess, particularly highlighting the rise of talent from Tamil Nadu.

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Personal Background

• Name: A. Ra. Harikrishnan
• Age: 23–24 years
• Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Education: Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Other roles: Chess coach and son of a chess arbiter

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Grandmaster Title Achievement

• Harikrishnan secured the third and final GM norm at the La Plagne International Chess Festival held in France.
• He required 1.5 points in the final two rounds to secure the norm, defeating Jules Moussard (France) and drawing with P. Iniyan (India).
• This performance pushed his rating above the 2500 Elo threshold, confirming his Grandmaster title.

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Previous GM Norms

1. First norm: Biel International Chess Festival, Switzerland (July 2023)
2. Second norm: Andújar Open, Spain (June 2025)
3. Final norm: La Plagne, France (July 2025)

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Coaching & Training

• Harikrishnan has trained under GM Shyam Sundar Mohanraj at the Chess Thulir Academy in Chennai.
• His coach has played a key role in shaping his strategic skills and tournament preparation.

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Significance

• Harikrishnan becomes the 32nd Grandmaster from Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the state’s dominance in Indian chess.
• His achievement demonstrates persistence and determination, having remained an International Master for over seven years before earning the GM title.

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Future Plans

• Harikrishnan aims to:

• • Increase his Elo rating to 2600+.

  • Participate in top international tournaments such as the Qatar Open.

  • Pursue higher education (MBA) in the United States.

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Conclusion

The rise of Harikrishnan A Ra as India’s 87th Grandmaster showcases the growing depth of chess talent in India. His journey from a long-standing International Master to a Grandmaster is an inspiration to aspiring players across the country.