India celebrates a new chess sensation! At just 16 years old, Ilamparthi AR has earned the coveted title of Grandmaster (GM), becoming India’s 90th player to achieve this prestigious feat. His journey, marked by immense talent and unwavering dedication, is truly inspiring.
This young prodigy from Tamil Nadu has overcome numerous challenges, both on and off the chessboard, to reach the pinnacle of Indian chess. Let’s delve into the remarkable story of Ilamparthi AR, the “early morning sun” of Indian chess.
From Uninvited Guest to Grandmaster: Ilamparthi’s Journey Begins
The year was 2022. A chess camp in Pollachi, organized by the Tamil Nadu Chess Association, gathered the state’s strongest junior players. Young Ilamparthi, then only 13, hadn’t qualified. Yet, he appeared, clutching his grandfather’s hand, driven by a simple desire to meet a renowned coach.
The Spark of Genius in Pollachi
Grandmaster (GM) Shyam Sundar Mohanraj, one of India’s most respected chess coaches, remembers that day vividly. “He came with his grandfather just to meet me,” Shyam recalls, noting Ilamparthi’s shy, respectful demeanor. Recognizing an undeniable spark of genius, Shyam took the youngster under his wing. Three years later, that decision bore fruit: India’s 90th Grandmaster.
What’s in a Name?
Ilamparthi’s name itself seems to foreshadow his destiny. His father, Ravikumar, a 47-year-old software engineer, explains its beautiful meaning. “‘Ilam’ means young and ‘Parthi’ means sun. Together, it means the early morning sun.”
His mother, P Gayathri, a science teacher, was the first to introduce him to chess. “She taught him to set up the pieces,” Ravikumar recounts. Ilamparthi quickly grasped the rules, displaying an early aptitude for the game.
By the tender age of five, the 2009-born prodigy was already competing nationally. His early achievements were remarkable:
- In 2014, he won the Under-5 Nationals in Delhi.
- He subsequently secured the Under-7 crown.
- He earned a gold medal at the Asian Championship.
“That’s when we realised he had something special,” his father proudly states.
Beyond the Board: The Hidden Battles
Behind every medal and title lies a story of quiet battles fought by Ilamparthi’s family. Chess, unlike many other sports, demands significant financial investment.
“You travel a lot for each tournament, and a tournament runs for many days,” Ravikumar shares. “You spend a lot on travel, food and stay. It adds up fast.” As Ilamparthi’s rating improved, the expenses skyrocketed.
“Once he reached a higher rating, he had to go abroad,” his father admits. “Playing tournaments only in India would not help him improve. Each international trip costs three to four lakh rupees.”
While scholarships and CSR funding offered some relief, finding consistent sponsors in chess remains a challenge. The family also faces personal hardships; Ravikumar’s younger son, 12, is a special child with epilepsy, requiring constant care. This meant Ravikumar could no longer travel with Ilamparthi, who began traveling alone from early 2025.
The Disciplined Prodigy: Training and Mentorship
Amidst mounting pressures and family worries, Ilamparthi finds solace and focus in the guidance of his chess guru, GM Shyam Sundar.
A Guru’s Influence: GM Shyam Sundar
“Whenever he’s in Chennai, he’s either at my home or at the academy,” says Shyam, highlighting Ilamparthi’s dedication. His commitment is absolute: no social media, no movies, and zero distractions. He even once asked who actor Sivakarthikeyan was, illustrating his singular focus.
Ilamparthi’s discipline extends to his training. He loves solving puzzles, often completing them in three to five minutes, a feat that can take strong GMs 15 or 20 minutes. His obedience to his coach is unwavering.
“I told him to stop for a bit because it was affecting his play,” Shyam recounts. “He simply said, ‘Okay, sir.’ No questions asked.”
Beyond chess, Ilamparthi even displayed an unexpected talent for wicket-keeping during academy cricket sessions. “In a fraction of a second, he would receive the ball and hit the stumps,” Shyam laughs. “For our amateur level, it was just stunning.” This quickness, of course, translates directly to his rapid decision-making on the chessboard.
Patience Pays Off: Securing the GM Title
For Ilamparthi, who became an International Master (IM) in 2023, the GM title was an eventuality. There were near misses, times he lost or drew the final round after coming close.
But his coach’s wisdom kept him grounded. “I told him it’s okay. The title will come,” Shyam advised. “GM title is nothing compared to our greater goals like becoming a world champion or maintaining that level.”
Last week, Ilamparthi finally broke through, securing his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The key, as Shyam explained, was to stop chasing the title. “Once he stopped thinking about it, he played freely,” his coach noted.
The Future is Bright: A New Sun Rises
With the Grandmaster title now in hand, Ilamparthi AR’s journey has just begun. His coach, GM Shyam Sundar, has clear goals for his protege. “I want to make him an all-rounder,” he states.
His father, Ravikumar, echoes a similar sentiment, prioritizing his son’s passion. “I don’t think about money or career,” he adds. “If I start worrying about that, he’ll lose focus. I just want him to stay happy with chess.”
Conclusion
From a shy boy who walked into a camp clutching his grandfather’s hand, Ilamparthi AR has transformed into India’s 90th Grandmaster, traveling the world on his own terms. His story is a powerful testament to talent, relentless hard work, and the incredible support system of family and mentors.
As the “early morning sun” of Indian chess, Ilamparthi AR is poised for even greater achievements. This young Grandmaster is a name we are sure to hear much more of in the international chess arena.