Exclusive: India gets its 98th GM! The making of teenage chess sensation Aswath S

Aswath S has made history by becoming India's 98th Grandmaster, a remarkable feat achieved during the Pune International GM Round Robin 2026. The young Chennai native, who is still in Class 10, managed to balance his academic responsibilities with his chess training, taking a temporary hiatus to focus on his board exams. With a family deeply rooted in chess, Aswath is now aiming to join the ranks of the world's top players, showcasing the potential of young talent when given the right support and dedication. This achievement highlights the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage.