Dhruv Thota has just etched his name into Indian chess history as the latest International Master from Hyderabad. At just 16, this young talent from Telangana sealed the deal with his fourth IM norm, proving that hard work and sharp focus can turn dreams into reality. It’s a moment that sparks pride across the nation, especially for chess fans watching the next generation rise.
Early Sparks on the Board
Dhruv Thota’s chess journey kicked off simply, right in a classroom at Delhi School of Excellence in Attapur. Born on February 28, 2009, in Hyderabad, he first touched the board during weekly Thursday classes as a young kid. What started as casual fun with his father after school soon turned serious. Solving puzzles hooked him, and his parents spotted the spark.
They enrolled him at Maestro Chess Academy, where coach Amithpal Singh built his strong basics. Even with limited training back then, Dhruv began toppling older players in local events, like at the Brilliant Chess Tournament. His dad, a government veterinarian, juggled work and travel, visas, hotels, leaves to fuel this passion. Every sacrifice paid off as Dhruv stayed laser-focused.
Norms That Built the Title
Dhruv Thota didn’t just chase norms; he dominated tournaments across Europe. His first came at the Six Days Chess Tournament in Budapest, November 2023, scoring 7/9 with a 2434 performance rating, winning the event and jumping 115 Elo points. The second followed at Chessable Sunway Sitges in Spain, keeping the momentum alive. By October 2025, the Annemasse Chess Tournament in France delivered his third norm with 6/9 and a 2451 performance.
The clincher? RUDAR XLIII IM Round Robin in Serbia, November 2025. Seeded ninth with 2351 Elo, he went undefeated, scored 7.5/9, performed at 2515, and crossed 2400 Elo to claim the IM title. Now at 2411 FIDE rating, he’s Telangana’s 13th IM and eyes Grandmaster glory.
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Dhruv Thota’s Mentors and Milestones
Dhruv Thota credits a team of guides: GM Alexander Goloschapov for deep game insights, FM Vikramjit Singh and IM Shasikant Kutwal for online drills, plus GM Ramesh RB and Chola Chess Academy camps. He’s battled GMs at Abu Dhabi Masters, Fujairah, and represented India at the FIDE World Youth Championship in Italy, finishing 18th out of 180. At Pallavi International School, he balances studies with this grind. His family calls it a reward after years of belief, no shortcuts, just pure chess love.
What’s Next for India’s Rising Star
This IM title isn’t the end; it’s fuel. Dhruv seeks support to chase GM status, facing tough fields ahead. For Indian chess, he’s a beacon, proof that Hyderabad’s chess scene keeps producing champs. Watch this space; the board’s heating up, and Dhruv Thota is just getting started. Stay tuned for his next big move!
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