Queens Of The Board: Who Are The Top Indian Women In Chess?

India boasts a remarkable cadre of chess champions who are making significant strides with their brilliant moves. With a blend of meticulous strategy and discipline, Indian women in chess have carved a formidable path for India on the global chess stage. As they continue to make strides and set new milestones, these players demonstrate the potential of human achievement, proving that dedication to a passion knows no bounds. With every move they make, these players leave an indelible mark on the chessboard and inspire future generations to dream big and reach for the highest pinnacles of success.

Here are some of India's top women in chess, representing their country with their indomitable prowess.

Vaishali Rameshbabu

Grandmaster R Vaishali has brought laurels to the Indian mind sport landscape with her enthusiastic game. Born on June 21, 2001, in Chennai, she etched her indelible name in the chess scene of India after her victory at the Girls’ World Youth Chess Championship in the Under-12 category in 2012. 

In the year 2016, she became the Woman International Master (WIM), while in 2018 she earned the title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM). In 2020, she was part of the gold medal-winning Indian team at the Online Olympiad 2020, which grabbed the nation its first win. In 2023, Vaishali and her younger sibling R Praggnanandhaa are the world's first brother-sister Grandmaster duo.

Koneru Humpy

Humpy is an accomplished Indian chess player renowned for her victory in the FIDE Women's Rapid Chess Championship in 2019. Born on March 31, 1987, in Andhra Pradesh, she earned the distinction of becoming the youngest woman to attain the title of Grandmaster (GM) in 2002 at the remarkable age of 15 years.

Harika Dronavalli

Born on January 12, 1991, Dronavalli holds the esteemed FIDE Grandmaster (GM) title. The government of India awarded her the Arjuna Award in 2007-08. In 2016, Dronavalli clinched victory at the FIDE Women's Grand Prix event in Chengdu, China. In recognition of her contributions to the field of sports, Harika received the Padma Shri award in 2019.

Tania Sachdev

Born on August 20, 1986, Sachdev is a FIDE International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She has secured the title of Indian women's chess champion twice, in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, Sachdev is a three-time consecutive winner of the Commonwealth Women's Chess Championship. In addition to her prowess on the chessboard, Sachdev is also a chess presenter and commentator.

Padmini Rout

Born on January 5, 1994, Rout is honoured with the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) by FIDE. Her achievements extend to winning the prestigious National Women's Premier title four times consecutively from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, she clinched the title of Asian women's champion in 2018.

Bhakti Kulkarni

Born on May 19, 1992, Kulkarni is a distinguished Indian chess player. She was awarded the titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in 2012 and International Master (IM) in 2019. In recognition of her contributions to the field of chess, Bhakti Kulkarni has been honoured with the Arjuna Award.