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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — In a historic breakthrough for Indian sports, 16-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has officially become India’s 94th Grandmaster (GM). Hailing from Guwahati, Assam, he etches his name in the record books as the first-ever player from the North East region to achieve the game’s highest title.
The teenage prodigy sealed the feat on March 13, 2026, during the 8th Hotel Stockholm North Young Talents Tournament. Entering the competition as an International Master, Mayank delivered a masterclass performance, securing his third and final GM norm with a round to spare.
The Road to the Title
Mayank’s journey in Sweden was characterized by clinical precision and tactical maturity. Here is how he reached the milestone:
The Decisive Win: In the eighth round, Mayank defeated Swedish International Master (IM) Philip Lindgren. This victory took him to 6.5 points, enough to guarantee his final norm.
The Rating Barrier: Beyond the norms, a player must cross an Elo rating of 2500. By winning the tournament title with 7/9 points, Mayank pushed his live rating to 2508, satisfying the final FIDE requirement.
Final Standings: He finished the tournament in first place, ahead of Norway’s Aksel Bu Kvaloy, after drawing his final round match against English IM Jonah B. Willow.
From Guwahati to Global Recognition
Mayank’s ascent is particularly remarkable given the challenges of training in a region where chess infrastructure is still developing. Early in his career, he relied heavily on digital resources and YouTube to hone his skills.
“He has that high confidence level; he’s never afraid of who is sitting across the board,” said Rajib Dhar, General Secretary of the All Assam Chess Association, who coached Mayank in his formative years.
His family also played a pivotal role in his success. Reports indicate that his father left his job to travel with him to international tournaments, while his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, provided the initial spark by seeking out professional coaching for her son at age seven.
A New Chapter for North East Sports
For decades, the North East has been a powerhouse for football, boxing, and weightlifting. Mayank’s achievement signals a shift, proving that the region can compete at the highest echelons of “the 64 squares.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated the youngster on social media, calling it a “proud moment for the state” and wishing him continued success on and off the board.
As the 94th Grandmaster, Mayank joins an elite list of Indian legends, further cementing India’s status as a global chess superpower.
