Mayank Chakraborty Becomes India’s 94th Chess Grandmaster, First From Northeast

Last Updated:March 14, 2026, 07:55 IST

Mayank Chakraborty from Assam becomes India's 94th Grandmaster and the first from the Northeast, bagging his final GM norm at the Young Talents tournament in Sweden.

Teenage chess star Mayank Chakraborty has become India’s 94th Grandmaster and the first from the Northeast, having hailed from Assam.

Mayank bagged his third and final GM norm at the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Young Talents tournament in Sweden. After eight rounds, he leads the standings with 6.5 points out of 8, a full point clear of the rest of the field.

The decisive moment came when Mayank beat Philip Lindgren in the eighth round, bagging his final Grandmaster norm with a round to spare.

Hailing from Guwahati, Mayank has long been the highest-rated chess player from Northeast India. With this milestone, he is all set to become the first-ever GM from Assam and the region, marking a proud moment for the Northeast chess community.

But the final confirmation of Mayank’s GM title hinges on the participation of his last-round opponent, Willow Jonah B. If the opponent turns up at the board and makes the first move in the final round, scheduled for 1:30 PM IST, Mayank’s final Grandmaster norm will be officially validated.

The GM title, awarded by the FIDE, is the highest designation in chess and among the most prestigious honours in the sport.

Mayank’s feat has already triggered celebrations across Assam and the Northeast, with many calling it a historic breakthrough that could inspire a new generation of chess players in the region.

Mayank is ranked 55th in India.

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