• Achievement: Viswanathan Anand became the first Indian to achieve the Grandmaster (GM) norm in 1987, a crucial milestone that paved the way for his rise as India’s first chess Grandmaster and one of the greatest players in the world.

• Grandmaster Norm: The Grandmaster norm is one of the highest accolades in chess, requiring players to perform at an exceptionally high level in international competitions. To achieve this norm, players must demonstrate consistent top-level performance across a set number of games against other Grandmasters.
• 1987 New Delhi Tournament: The achievement occurred during a tournament in New Delhi, where Anand performed exceptionally, meeting the rigorous requirements for the GM norm. This accomplishment was instrumental in securing his path to becoming a Grandmaster.
• First Indian GM: Viswanathan Anand became India’s first-ever chess Grandmaster in 1988, just a year after achieving the GM norm. His rise marked a historic moment for Indian chess, which had never before produced a player of such caliber.

• Historic Step for Indian Chess: Anand’s achievement in 1987 made him the first Indian to secure the Grandmaster norm, and this laid the foundation for his eventual title as India’s first chess Grandmaster. This milestone opened doors for a new era of chess in India, where many young players were inspired by his success.
• Global Recognition: Becoming a Grandmaster was a significant recognition of Anand’s exceptional skill and talent in the game of chess. This victory established him as a serious competitor on the world stage and contributed to the growing reputation of Indian chess internationally.
• Stepping Stone to Greater Success: Anand’s GM norm achievement was an important first step in his career, which saw him go on to become a five-time World Chess Champion, one of the most respected players in the world. His rise marked a turning point in both his personal chess journey and the history of Indian chess.

• Inspirational Figure: Anand’s success in becoming India’s first Grandmaster inspired an entire generation of chess players in India. His achievement encouraged many young players to take up the game and aspire to reach the heights he had reached.
• Indian Chess Revolution: Anand’s achievement was one of the key moments that contributed to the chess revolution in India. His success sparked a wave of talent across the country, leading to an increasing number of Indian players excelling in international tournaments.
• Boost to Chess in India: Anand’s rise to prominence as India’s first Grandmaster played a pivotal role in bringing attention to chess in India. His success elevated the sport’s profile in the country, making chess a popular game among both the young and the older generation.

Viswanathan Anand’s achievement of becoming the first Indian to achieve the Grandmaster (GM) norm in 1987 was a monumental step in both his career and the history of Indian chess. This accomplishment marked the beginning of Anand’s rise as a global chess powerhouse and paved the way for India’s future chess success. As the first Grandmaster from India, Anand set the standard for excellence, inspired countless aspiring players, and played a crucial role in shaping the future of chess in India.