Indian Chess After the Asian Games: Young Grandmasters to Follow in 2026
Indian chess continues to attract international attention, with a new generation of grandmasters building on the success of established players. From world champion D Gukesh to Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Divya Deshmukh, India’s young talent is competing at the highest level and creating exciting opportunities for the future.
There is one important clarification: chess was not included in the official sports programme of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games featured 43 sports, but chess was among the disciplines dropped from the programme after its appearance at the 2022 Hangzhou edition. Therefore, India’s 2026 chess story is better understood through international tournaments, the Chess Olympiad and the achievements of its emerging players.
India’s Growing Strength in International Chess
India’s chess development has reached an important stage. The country now has several players capable of challenging the world’s best, while its women’s team is also producing impressive results.
At the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, India’s open team secured the silver medal, finishing behind hosts Uzbekistan. The women’s team claimed bronze after China and Kazakhstan finished ahead. These results showed that India remains among the leading chess nations, even as international competition becomes tougher.
The performances also highlighted the importance of young players. Many Indian grandmasters are still in their twenties and have several years to develop their game. Their progress could shape India’s position in international chess throughout the rest of the decade.
Young Indian Grandmasters to Follow in 2026
D Gukesh
D Gukesh remains one of the biggest names in Indian chess. He became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in 2024 after defeating Ding Liren. His achievement brought global attention to India’s growing chess talent.
Gukesh’s strength lies in his calculation, determination and ability to handle complicated positions. Although maintaining world-champion form is challenging, he remains an important player to watch. At the 2026 Chess Olympiad, he scored 8.5 points from 11 games, making a valuable contribution to India’s campaign.
R Praggnanandhaa
R Praggnanandhaa has established himself as one of India’s strongest young grandmasters. His performances against leading international players have demonstrated his tactical understanding and composure.
He won the Norway Chess tournament in June 2026, defeating several top competitors along the way. He also returned to the world’s top 10 in the September 2026 FIDE classical rating list.
Praggnanandhaa’s ability to perform in classical chess and faster formats makes him a major player to follow. His consistency will be important as he targets more elite tournament victories.
Arjun Erigaisi
Arjun Erigaisi is another leading Indian grandmaster with the potential to challenge for major international titles. Known for his aggressive playing style and strong calculation, he has regularly competed against some of the world’s highest-rated players.
He reached the 2800 rating mark in 2024, an important milestone in his career. Arjun’s experience in elite tournaments makes him a valuable part of India’s open team.
His progress in 2026 will be worth watching, particularly as he looks to convert strong tournament performances into major individual titles.
Nihal Sarin
Nihal Sarin is known for his fast calculations, tactical awareness and strength in rapid and blitz chess. He became a grandmaster at a young age and has continued to compete against experienced international opponents.
His performance in team events makes him an important option for India. Nihal’s ability to recognise tactical opportunities quickly gives him an advantage in complicated positions.
As he gains more experience in classical tournaments, he could become an even stronger contender in international competitions.
Raunak Sadhwani
Raunak Sadhwani is another young Indian grandmaster worth following. He earned his GM title as a teenager and has continued to develop through international tournaments.
His tactical approach and experience in different time controls make him an interesting player for the future. Consistent performances against higher-rated opponents could help him move closer to the world’s leading group.
Indian Women’s Chess Stars to Watch
India’s women’s chess movement has also grown significantly, with several players competing at the highest international level.
Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh is one of the most exciting names in Indian women’s chess. She became a grandmaster in 2024 and gained international recognition after winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup in 2025.
Her tactical ability, confidence and competitive mindset make her a player to watch in 2026. She was also part of India’s women’s team at the Chess Olympiad, where the country secured bronze.
R Vaishali
R Vaishali has established herself as one of India’s leading female grandmasters. Her victory in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament earned her the right to challenge for the Women’s World Championship title.
Her strategic understanding and ability to perform in demanding tournaments make her an important figure in Indian chess. Her upcoming world championship opportunity could become a major moment for the country.
Savitha Shri
Savitha Shri B is another promising Indian player. Although she holds the International Master title rather than the open Grandmaster title, her performances make her worth following.
She contributed to India’s women’s team at the 2026 Chess Olympiad and delivered a strong individual performance. Her progress shows the depth of emerging talent in Indian women’s chess.
Why India’s Next Generation Looks Promising
India’s chess success is supported by a growing competitive environment. More children are learning chess through schools, academies, online platforms and local tournaments. These opportunities help young players gain experience before entering major national and international competitions.
The country’s established grandmasters also provide inspiration. Their international achievements have encouraged more families to consider chess as a serious competitive activity.
Another important factor is access to technology. Online training, game analysis software and digital tournaments allow players to study opponents and improve their preparation. However, long-term success still requires strong coaching, regular tournament participation and mental discipline.
The 2026 Asian Junior Chess Championships in Mumbai also offered encouraging signs. Indian players performed strongly, with Mayank Chakraborty winning the Open classical title and Pratitee Bordoloi taking the Girls’ title. These results demonstrate that India’s next generation extends beyond its already famous grandmasters.
Challenges Indian Chess Players Must Overcome
Despite the progress, becoming a consistent international champion requires more than natural talent. Young players must manage demanding tournament schedules, preparation pressure and the challenge of competing against experienced opponents.
Financial support and access to quality coaching can also influence development. Players outside major chess centres may find it harder to access regular high-level competition.
India will need continued investment in grassroots programmes, training facilities and international exposure. Supporting women’s chess and providing opportunities for talented players from smaller cities will also help strengthen the national talent pool.
Following Talent Across Indian Sports
Chess is only one part of India’s growing sports landscape. Fans also follow player development, team selections and talent scouting in competitions such as cricket. For another look at how franchises identify international talent, read about overseas players who could attract strong interest at the IPL 2027 auction.
Conclusion
Indian chess has a promising future, with young grandmasters such as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin continuing to compete at the highest level. Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali are also strengthening India’s position in women’s chess.
Although chess was not part of the 2026 Asian Games, the country’s performances at the Chess Olympiad and Asian Junior Championships provide plenty of reasons for optimism. With better training, consistent tournament exposure and support for emerging players, India could remain one of the world’s strongest chess nations in the years ahead.
