1. Manuel Aaron was the first Indian to be awarded the title of International Master (IM) in chess. He played a pivotal role in shaping Indian chess during its early days, especially in the 1960s.
2. Rohini Khadilkar was one of the first women to be recognized in the Indian chess scene, and she made significant strides in promoting women’s chess in India. She was instrumental in the early development of chess for women in the country.
3. Dibyendu Barua became India’s second Grandmaster after Viswanathan Anand. He was the first Indian to break into the top 100 in the FIDE World Chess rankings and contributed immensely to Indian chess during the 1980s and 1990s.
4. Pravin Thipsay is an International Master and notable for his strong performances in international competitions. His contributions to chess in India and his role as a mentor to young chess players have made him a prominent figure in Indian chess.
5. Anand is India’s first Grandmaster (GM), earning the title in 1985. He went on to become one of the greatest chess players in history, winning the World Chess Championship multiple times (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012). Anand has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan (2008) and Padma Vibhushan (2014) for his contributions to chess.
6. D.V. Prasad earned his International Master title in 1987 and was among the early pioneers in Indian chess. His achievements helped pave the way for future generations of players.
7. Along with her brother Pravin Thipsay, Bhagyashree made a mark in Indian chess during the 1980s. She was one of the key female players representing India in various chess events.
8. Anupama Gokhale is an important name in Indian chess, particularly known for her achievements in women’s chess. She represented India in international tournaments and was a vital part of India’s growing chess community.
9. Vijayalakshmi became the first woman Grandmaster (GM) from India. She earned this title after a series of outstanding performances and became a significant figure in the promotion of women’s chess.

• Sasikiran earned his Grandmaster title in 2002 and became one of the top Indian chess players of his generation. He is known for his solid performances in top international tournaments.
• Koneru Humpy became the youngest woman ever to earn the title of Grandmaster in 2002. She has been one of the most prominent Indian chess players, winning numerous titles, including the Women’s World Chess Championship in 2018.
• Ganguly became a Grandmaster in 2005 and represented India in many international tournaments. He has been a strong performer in both individual and team events, earning accolades across his career.
• Harikrishna earned his Grandmaster title at a very young age, and he became one of the most successful and consistent Indian chess players. He has been one of India’s top players in global chess rankings.
• D. Harika earned her Grandmaster title in 2007 and has been a leading player in women’s chess. She has represented India in multiple Chess Olympiads and other prestigious events, consistently delivering strong performances.
• Tania Sachdev is a Woman Grandmaster (WM) and International Master (IM). She has represented India in several Chess Olympiads and has been active in promoting chess for women and young players.
• Negi became the youngest Indian Grandmaster in 2000 at the age of 13. He has won many national and international titles and has been one of India’s brightest young chess talents.
• Abhijeet Gupta, a Grandmaster, has made notable contributions to Indian chess through his victories in national and international tournaments. He became India’s youngest national junior champion at the age of 13 years.
• Raghunandan Gokhale was one of the early chess players to represent India in international events and contributed significantly to the chess community during the 1980s.
• K. Ashok, another notable chess player, has been active in the Indian chess scene and has represented the country in several prestigious events.
• Abhyankar made her mark in Indian chess and contributed to its growth, especially in the women’s segment during the 1980s.
• Anand continued his journey of success through the 1980s and beyond, solidifying his status as a chess legend. His achievements set the bar high for future generations of Indian players.
• D. Harika, by 2019, had established herself as one of India’s leading chess players, particularly in women’s chess, with remarkable performances in global chess tournaments.

This list represents a combination of India’s chess milestones, from the early pioneers to the current grandmasters who have significantly contributed to India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse.