Chola Chess, a CSR initiative of Chola Foundation, aimed at strengthening India’s chess ecosystem, successfully hosted the Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament and the First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament.
The tournament's defining moment came when IM Harshavardhan G B fulfilled all the requirements to become India's 97th Grandmaster, securing his final GM norm with a composed draw against GM Mihail Nikitenko (Belarus) in the concluding round. Harshavardhan finished with the required 6.5 points, while simultaneously crossing the FIDE rating beyond the coveted 2500 Elo mark, fulfilling every criterion for the Grandmaster title.
The event also marked another significant achievement for Indian Chess as FM Daakshin Arun, a student of Chola Chess Academy, secured his second International Master (IM) Norm with a remarkable runner-up finish in the IM Norm Tournament.
Speaking about the occasion, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Kundu, MD & CEO, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company said, “India's emergence as a global chess powerhouse will be driven not only by exceptional talent but also by consistent access to world-class competitive opportunities.
The achievements of IM Harshavardhan G B, Daakshin Arun and IM Harsh Suresh are proud milestones for Indian chess. Our vision is to build a sustainable ecosystem that identifies, nurtures and empowers the next generation of Indian chess champions.
We remain committed to creating an ideal platform for India's emerging chess talent to achieve international milestones.” The tournament was held from 20th to 28th June at Chola Chess Academy, Chennai, under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF).
Designed to provide aspiring players with opportunities to earn Grandmaster and International Master norms, the event reflects Chola Chess's commitment to making world-class competitive platforms more accessible to Indian talent. The GM Norm Tournament witnessed strong participation from leading Grandmasters and International Masters from across the world.
Polish Grandmaster Michal Krasenkow emerged as Champion scoring 7 points from 9 rounds, claiming the winner's award of ₹1,00,000. India's newly crowned Grandmaster Harshavardhan G B finished second with 6.5 points, while IM Harsh Suresh secured third place with 6 points, underlining the growing strength of Indian chess talent.
In the IM Norm Tournament, GM Aleksej Aleksandrov (Belarus) clinched the title with 6.5 points, earning the winner's purse of ₹75,000. India's FM Daakshin Arun finished a close second with 6 points, while IM L M S T De Silva secured third place with 5.5 points.
The winners were felicitated at the closing ceremony graced by Mr. D. V. Sundar, Former Vice President of FIDE, in the presence of dignitaries from the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, Chola Chess, and Chess Gurukul.
Tournament Highlights
Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament
Champion: GM Michal Krasenkow (Poland) – 7/9
Runner-up: IM Harshavardhan G B (India) – 6.5/9 (Achieved final GM Norm and became India's 97th Grandmaster)
Third Place: IM Harsh Suresh (India) – 6/9
First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament
Champion: GM Aleksej Aleksandrov (Belarus) – 6.5/9
Runner-up: FM Daakshin Arun (India) – 6/9 (Secured Second IM Norm)
Third Place: IM L M S T De Silva – 5.5/9