GM Shyam Sundar Mohanraj is one of India’s most influential chess mentors. He sat in silence while his students reshaped the next generation of chess. He mentors at a Chennai-based academy, Chess Thulir. However, he was not always a mentor. His journey started as a chess prodigy himself before he transformed into a coach. This article aims to take a look at his life and journey.
Who is GM Shyam Sundar?
GM Shyam Sundar was born in 1992 in Vellore. His journey began at the age of eight as he was inspired by the complexity of the game. He rose quickly in the world of chess and became an International Master at the age of just 14. He went on to achieve the Grand Master title at the age of 20, and over the years, he defeated top chess players like Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu. He won the Prague International Chess Festival in 2024. His style is a blend of aggressive strategy mixed with a calm and composed mental agility.
The Beginning Of Chess Thulir
Despite his personal success, GM Shyan Sundar’s journey was not without challenges. Financial constraints and limited support kept coming in his way to global success, which began his journey as a coach. He shared his struggles with the Times of India and said, “During 2016-2018, I realised financial constraints and lack of support held back many, and that’s why even I couldn’t become an elite-level grandmaster. That’s when I felt the need for a proper academy where players could train professionally,”
He began coaching informally in the beginning; however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he established Chess Thulir. Thulir literally means blossom in Tamil, and his mission is to produce a world-class chess training center that is affordable and accessible for everyone. He said, “Coaching should not be a privilege; it’s a right that should be accessible to all,”
Chess Thulir: A Cradle of Champions
Under GM Shyam Sundar’s guidance at Chess Thulir, the academy has become a launchpad for India’s brightest chess talents. The academy’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, producing elite chess prodigies who are making the headlines internationally. His academy has produced numerous chess prodigies such as:
- Srihari LR: Srihari LR recently made it to the headlines by becoming India’s 86th Grandmaster in 2025 after clinching his third GM norm at the Asian Individual Chess Championship. Shyam expressed his pride in Srihari’s achievement ahe said, “My father used to say that if wealth is lost, nothing is lost; if health is lost, something is lost; but if character is lost, everything is lost. So, I also want my students to be as genuine as possible,”
- Pranav V: Emerged as the FIDE Junior World Champion and also won the World Rapid & Blitz U-18 title in 2024, establishing himself as one of the world’s top young players.
- Bharath Subramaniyam: Winner of the 37th Cannes Open 2024 and multiple international medals.
- Nandhidhaa PV: National Women Chess Champion 2024, on the verge of earning the International Master title.
- Mrittika Mallick: National Junior Girl Chess Champion 2024.
Several other students, including Ilamparthi AR, Aswath S, and Jubin Jimmy, are on the verge of achieving Grandmaster or International Master titles, showcasing the consistency of Chess Thulir’s results.
Legacy And Philosophy
For GM Shyam Sundar, success is not measured solely in titles or trophies, but in the growth and character of his students. He remains committed to his roots and values, inspired by the belief that “chess has given me everything, and I should always be grateful and give back to the community”. His story is a powerful reminder that behind every great champion is a mentor who sees not just a player, but a blossoming individual.
In a modest Chennai hut, GM Shyam Sundar is quietly building India’s chess future, one prodigy at a time.
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Also Read: The Rise of Praggnanandhaa: India’s Very Own Chess Prodigy
