Chennai, 02 July 2026: Chola Chess, a CSR initiative of Chola Foundation, aimed at strengthening India’s chess ecosystem, successfully hosted the Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament and the First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament.
The tournament’s defining moment came when IM Harshavardhan G B fulfilled all the requirements to become India’s 97th Grandmaster, securing his final GM norm with a composed draw against GM Mihail Nikitenko (Belarus) in the concluding round. Harshavardhan finished with the required 6.5 points, while simultaneously crossing the FIDE rating beyond the coveted 2500 Elo mark, fulfilling every criterion for the Grandmaster title.
The event also marked another significant achievement for Indian Chess as FM Daakshin Arun, a student of Chola Chess Academy, secured his second International Master (IM) Norm with a remarkable runner-up finish in the IM Norm Tournament.
Speaking about the occasion, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Kundu, MD & CEO, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company said, “India’s emergence as a global chess powerhouse will be driven not only by exceptional talent but also by consistent access to world-class competitive opportunities. The achievements of IM Harshavardhan G B, Daakshin Arun and IM Harsh Suresh are proud milestones for Indian chess. Our vision is to build a sustainable ecosystem that identifies, nurtures and empowers the next generation of Indian chess champions. We remain committed to creating an ideal platform for India’s emerging chess talent to achieve international milestones.”
The tournament was held from 20th to 28th June at Chola Chess Academy, Chennai, under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF). Designed to provide aspiring players with opportunities to earn Grandmaster and International Master norms, the event reflects Chola Chess’s commitment to making world-class competitive platforms more accessible to Indian talent.
The GM Norm Tournament witnessed strong participation from leading Grandmasters and International Masters from across the world. Polish Grandmaster Michal Krasenkow emerged as Champion scoring 7 points from 9 rounds, claiming the winner’s award of ₹1,00,000. India’s newly crowned Grandmaster Harshavardhan G B finished second with 6.5 points, while IM Harsh Suresh secured third place with 6 points, underlining the growing strength of Indian chess talent.
In the IM Norm Tournament, GM Aleksej Aleksandrov (Belarus) clinched the title with 6.5 points, earning the winner’s purse of ₹75,000. India’s FM Daakshin Arun finished a close second with 6 points, while IM L M S T De Silva secured third place with 5.5 points.
The winners were felicitated at the closing ceremony graced by Mr. D. V. Sundar, Former Vice President of FIDE, in the presence of dignitaries from the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, Chola Chess, and Chess Gurukul.
Tournament Highlights
Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament
- Champion: GM Michal Krasenkow (Poland) – 7/9
- Runner-up: IM Harshavardhan G B (India) – 6.5/9 (Achieved final GM Norm and became India’s 97th Grandmaster)
- Third Place: IM Harsh Suresh (India) – 6/9
First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament
- Champion: GM Aleksej Aleksandrov (Belarus) – 6.5/9
- Runner-up: FM Daakshin Arun (India) – 6/9 (Secured Second IM Norm)
- Third Place: IM L M S T De Silva – 5.5/9
About Chola Chess
Chola Chess an initiative of Chola Foundation – the CSR arm of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance, was founded with a vision to identify and nurture young chess talent in India at an early stage. The platform is dedicated to developing promising players into world-class competitors through a rigorous and holistic training programme. This includes expert coaching, mental strength and fitness development, along with structured guidance on communication and nutrition. Chola Chess is committed to shaping India’s future Grandmasters by strengthening not just their skills and strategies, but also their discipline, character, and spirit—building champions in chess and in life.
About Cholamandalam Investment and Finance
Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited (Chola) was incorporated in 1978 as the financial services arm of the Murugappa Group. Chola commenced business as an equipment financing company and has emerged as a comprehensive financial services provider offering vehicle finance, loan against property, home loans, SME loans, consumer durables loans, gold loans, Secured Business & Personal Loans, Investment advisory services, stock broking and various other financial services to customers.
Chola operates from 2452 touch points across India, with assets under management above INR 242630 Crores.
The mission of Chola is to enable customers to enter a better life. Chola has a growing clientele of over 47 lakh happy customers nationwide. Since its inception and growth, the company has kept a clear eye on its values. The basic tenet of these values is a strict adherence to ethics and a responsibility to all those within its corporate ambit – customers, shareholders, employees and society.
For more details, please visit www.cholamandalam.com
About Murugappa Group
A 125-year-old conglomerate with presence across India and the world, the INR 902 billion (90,178 crore) Murugappa Group has diverse businesses in agriculture, engineering, financial services and more.
The Group has 10 listed companies: Carborundum Universal Limited, CG Power & Industrial Solutions Limited, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Limited, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited, Coromandel International Limited, E.I.D.-Parry (India) Limited, NACL Industries Limited, Shanthi Gears Limited, Tube Investments of India Limited, and Wendt (India) Limited. Other major companies include Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited and Parry Agro Industries Limited. Brands such as Ajax, Hercules, BSA, Montra, Montra Electric, Mach City, Chola, Chola MS, CG Power, Shanthi Gears, CUMI, Gromor, Paramfos, Parry’s are part of the Group’s illustrious stable.
Abrasives, technical ceramics, electrominerals, electric vehicles, auto components, fans, transformers, signalling equipment for railways, bicycles, fertilisers, sugar, tea, and several other products make up the Group’s business interests.
Guided by the Five lights — integrity, passion, quality, respect, and responsibility — and a culture of professionalism, the Group has a workforce of 94,041employees.
