Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Anuj Shrivatri on becoming India’s 100th chess Grandmaster, calling the achievement a remarkable milestone that reflects the country’s growing talent and the rising popularity of the sport among youngsters.

“India has hit a century in chess! Exceptional, isn’t it? India is now home to a hundred chess Grandmasters!” Modi wrote in a post on X.

The Prime Minister said the milestone reflected the immense talent, dedication and hard work of Indian chess players. He also expressed happiness over young players emerging from different parts of the country and making their mark internationally.

“Congratulations to Anuj Shrivatri on becoming India’s 100th Chess Grandmaster! What a wonderful achievement it is. India reaching 100 Grandmasters is a remarkable milestone that reflects the immense talent, dedication, and hard work of our players as well as the growing popularity of chess among our youth,” Modi wrote.

He added that the achievement should inspire more youngsters to take up chess and pursue excellence.

Shrivatri, 22, from Madhya Pradesh, secured the Grandmaster title after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on November 8. He also became the first player from Madhya Pradesh to earn the distinction.

He scored seven points from nine rounds in the tournament held in Ozamiz City, finishing half a point ahead of Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Hoa.

After losing his opening game, Shrivatri bounced back with six wins and two draws in his remaining eight rounds. His victory over Australia’s James Morris in the final round sealed the tournament title and the Grandmaster milestone.