In 2000, P. Harikrishna, one of India’s top chess prodigies, achieved a remarkable feat by earning three International Master (IM) norms in less than two months, setting the stage for his eventual rise in the chess world. Here are the details surrounding each of the tournaments where he secured these norms:
The Asian Chess Championship held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, was the first event where P. Harikrishna achieved his IM norm. This was an important milestone in his early career.
Tournament Details: The Asian Championship was a prestigious event, attracting top players from across the continent. The competition was intense, and Harikrishna’s strong performance against high-level opponents demonstrated his emerging talent.
IM Norm Achievement: His solid performance in this event earned him his first International Master norm, marking a significant step toward becoming a recognized chess player on the international circuit.
The Goodricke Chess Tournament held in Kolkata in May 2000 was another key event where Harikrishna earned his second IM norm in a short period.
Tournament Details: The Goodricke Tournament is one of the well-known chess competitions in India, attracting competitive players from around the country. Harikrishna’s strong show here was a testament to his rising talent.
IM Norm Achievement: His consistent victories and solid performances in this tournament earned him the second IM norm in just a few weeks. This success was a clear indication that Harikrishna was ready to compete at higher levels in the international chess circuit.
In June 2000, P. Harikrishna participated in the Commonwealth Chess Championship held in Sangli, Maharashtra, which turned out to be the third event where he earned his final IM norm to complete the required performance for the title.
Tournament Details: The Commonwealth Chess Championship is a well-established event in the chess calendar, attracting players from across the Commonwealth nations. Harikrishna’s victory here added to his growing reputation in Indian chess.
IM Norm Achievement: With his strong performance in this event, Harikrishna secured his third IM norm in a span of just two months, fulfilling the criteria required for the International Master title.
Rapid Rise in Indian Chess: Achieving three IM norms in such a short period made P. Harikrishna one of the fastest Indian players to earn the International Master title. His performance placed him in the spotlight as one of the brightest young talents in Indian chess.
Confidence Boost: The successful completion of the IM norms gave Harikrishna the confidence to continue striving toward higher titles like Grandmaster (GM), which he eventually achieved in 2001, just a year later.
National Recognition: His feat also helped raise his profile in India and boosted the perception of India as a growing chess powerhouse, especially in the years leading up to the dominance of players like Viswanathan Anand and the rise of younger talents.
P. Harikrishna’s quick and decisive achievement of the IM norms in 2000 is seen as a testament to his talent, work ethic, and consistency. It laid the groundwork for his successful career, with him later going on to become one of India’s foremost chess players, consistently representing the country in international competitions and becoming one of the highest-ranked Indian chess players in history. His achievements also continue to inspire a new generation of chess players in India.
