Mayank Chakraborty, a 16-year-old International Master from Assam, became the first Chess Grandmaster from Assam and the entire Northeast region, achieving the feat at the 8th Grandmaster Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden.

Key Highlights

• Mayank secured his final Grandmaster norm on 13 March 2026 by finishing first with a score of 7/9.
• He crossed the mandatory FIDE rating threshold of 2500, becoming India’s 94th Grandmaster.
• The achievement marks a major milestone for chess in Northeast India, a region traditionally known for sports like football and boxing.

About the Chess Grandmaster Title

• The Grandmaster title is the highest lifetime title in chess.

• The title is awarded by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs).
  • FIDE operates as the global governing body of chess, regulating international competitions and rating systems.
• Eligibility Criteria: To become a Grandmaster, a player must:
  • Achieve three Grandmaster norms in international tournaments.
  • Cross the minimum FIDE rating of 2500 at any point in their career.
• Other Chess Titles: FIDE also awards other titles:
  • International Master
  • FIDE Master
  • Candidate Master
  • Woman Grandmaster, Woman International Master, Woman FIDE Master, and Woman Candidate Master.
• Validity and Ethics: Chess titles are valid for life.
  • However, they may be revoked if a player violates FIDE Anti-Cheating Regulations or ethical principles.

Exam Hook 

Consider the following statements:

1. The Grandmaster title is the highest title awarded in chess.
2. The title is awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
3. A player must achieve a minimum rating of 2500 to qualify for the Grandmaster title.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-line Wrap:
The rise of Mayank Chakraborty as the first Grandmaster from Assam marks a historic milestone for chess development in Northeast India. 

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