• Date: 28 December 1987
• Location: Sakthi Finance Grandmaster Tournament, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
• Achievement: Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster (GM) at the Sakthi Finance Grandmaster Tournament in Coimbatore, marking a pivotal moment in Indian chess history.

• Grandmaster Title: On 28 December 1987, Anand was awarded the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title by FIDE (International Chess Federation). This made him the first-ever Grandmaster from India and a trailblazer for Indian chess.
• Tournament: The Sakthi Finance Grandmaster Tournament held in Coimbatore was a significant event in Anand’s career, where he met the necessary criteria to be recognized as a Grandmaster by FIDE. His success at this tournament signified his dominance and expertise in the world of chess.
• Criteria for Grandmaster Title: To earn the Grandmaster title, players must achieve several norms, which involve outstanding performance against other Grandmasters in recognized tournaments. Anand’s achievement in this tournament fulfilled all the required criteria, making him India’s first player to be awarded this prestigious title.

• Historic Milestone for India: Viswanathan Anand’s elevation to the Grandmaster title in 1987 was a landmark event for Indian chess. It marked India’s entry into the global chess arena at the highest level, with Anand setting a precedent for future chess players in the country.
• Inspiration to Indian Players: Anand’s success ignited a passion for chess in India. His journey from achieving the GM title to becoming a World Chess Champion inspired countless young players, particularly in India, to pursue chess professionally and aim for international success.
• Indian Chess Renaissance: Anand’s GM title in 1987 was the start of a new era in Indian chess. It laid the foundation for India to produce many more internationally renowned players, including P. Harikrishna, K. Sasikiran, D. Harika, and R. Praggnanandhaa, among others. This achievement played a key role in transforming India into one of the leading countries in global chess.

• Global Recognition: Anand’s rise to Grandmaster status in 1987 opened doors for him to compete at the highest levels of international chess, eventually leading to him becoming a five-time World Chess Champion.
• Chess as a National Sport: Anand’s success helped elevate chess as one of the most respected intellectual sports in India. His achievements made chess a celebrated game and inspired many young Indians to follow in his footsteps.
• Role in Shaping Future Generations: Anand’s historic achievement inspired a generation of chess players in India to believe in their potential on the world stage. His success was not only limited to him but acted as a beacon for Indian chess to become globally recognized and respected.

Viswanathan Anand’s achievement of becoming India’s first Grandmaster (GM) on 28 December 1987 at the Sakthi Finance Grandmaster Tournament in Coimbatore was a momentous occasion in Indian chess history. This landmark accomplishment helped set the stage for India’s rise as a major chess powerhouse. Anand’s breakthrough brought national pride and contributed immensely to the growth of chess in India, inspiring countless young players to pursue the game and aspire for excellence in the global chess arena.