India’s chess boards are truly on fire this year, and there’s honestly no better way to put it. For a nation with a long and passionate history of chess, 2025 feels like a dream come true! Not only have Indian grandmasters stormed the global rankings, but the whole world is now looking at India as a chess powerhouse. And the cherry on top? President Droupadi Murmu herself has applauded the phenomenal rise, especially after a gripping performance by a 19-year-old girl, putting India firmly in the global spotlight.
India’s Unstoppable Chess Year
This year has been nothing short of magical for Indian chess fans. Indian players are now regular faces in the world’s top 10, a space usually dominated by legends like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. As of August 2025, R Praggnanandhaa sits at world No.4 and is officially India’s No.1 chess player, after a string of spectacular wins. He clocked a live rating of 2779, overtaking even fellow Indian stars like Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi, both of whom are right up there in the world’s top 6.
It’s not just the boys; India’s women grandmasters are also making history. Four Indian women now feature in the top 20 worldwide, with names like Koneru Humpy (world No.5), R. Vaishali, and Divya Deshmukh. India has had four new Grandmasters this year so far, after Rohith Krishna S became India’s 89th GM. To sum it up: India is the only country besides the USA to have three (sometimes more) players in the world’s top 10 and is second globally in average rating among its top players.
President Droupadi Murmu’s Statement: Chest Full of Pride
With this golden run, it’s no surprise that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, showered the players with praise. After the remarkable feat by the 19-year-old Indian player (Divya Deshmukh), President Murmu took to social media to highlight India’s chess revolution. She lauded the “resilience, dedication, and growing dominance” of Indian youngsters, saying their achievements made the whole country proud and inspired millions of young minds to dream big.
In her statement, President Droupadi Murmu said:
“Our youth, brimming with new confidence, are making a significant impact in sports and games. Chess, for instance, is now dominated by India’s youngsters like never before. We foresee transformative changes that will establish India as a global sporting powerhouse under the vision of the National Sports Policy 2025.”
Further, she praised Indian women in chess, “Our daughters are our pride, breaking barriers in every field, including defence and security. Sports are vital indicators of excellence, empowerment, and potential. A nineteen-year-old girl (Deshmukh) and a thirty-eight-year-old woman (Humpy) from India were the finalists in the FIDE Women’s World Cup for the chess championship,” she stated.
She wished the entire chess community and coaches all the best, saying the country stands firmly behind its stars.
2025 will be remembered as a golden chapter for chess in India. With global recognition, back-to-back tournament wins, record-high rankings, and the President’s heartfelt congratulations, the mood in Indian chess circles is sky-high.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new chess buff, there’s no better time to say: Indian chess is here, and it’s here to own the world stage.
Also read: Another Milestone For India: Rohith Krishna S Becomes India’s 89th Grandmaster
