Kolkata’s Aronyak Ghosh Becomes India’s 95th Grandmaster, Marking a New Chapter in Indian Chess

Kolkata continues to strengthen its legacy of producing exceptional talent, as 22-year-old Aronyak Ghosh has officially become India’s 95th Grandmaster. The young prodigy achieved this milestone at the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club tournament, where he finished joint top with 7 out of 9 points, securing his third and final GM norm.
 
Aronyak’s journey to the Grandmaster title is a story of persistence, patience, and unwavering belief. He earned his first GM norm at the Sants Open in 2023, followed by his second at the Annemasse Masters in 2024. Despite early success, the final step took time, making this achievement even more significant after a four-year wait.

Born and raised in Kolkata, Aronyak comes from a modest middle-class family. His father, Mrinal Ghosh, a former chess player turned arbiter, played a crucial role in shaping his early career. His mother, Sanchita Ghosh, a lawyer, supported him relentlessly, often accompanying him to tournaments. The family’s sacrifices, including financial constraints and difficult choices, underline the depth of commitment behind this success.

Aronyak first gained international recognition with a bronze medal at the 2019 World Youth Under-16 Championship. One of his most memorable performances came when he defeated USA’s Hans Niemann, showcasing his strategic brilliance at a young age.
 
In recent years, he has continued to climb steadily in the global rankings. With a career-high Elo rating of 2555 and a live rating of 2541, Aronyak has proven his consistency and competitiveness. He also represented India at the FIDE World Cup 2025, where he secured a notable victory over Polish Grandmaster Mateusz Bartel before facing Armenian-American legend Levon Aronian.

Beyond the board, Aronyak balances multiple responsibilities. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Prafulla Chandra College while also being employed with Eastern Railway. His ability to manage both academics and a demanding chess career reflects his discipline and determination.
 
His mother, Sanchita Ghosh, described the moment as one of immense relief and pride, highlighting the years of dedication and sacrifice that led to this achievement.
 
Aronyak’s rise comes at a time when Indian chess is experiencing unprecedented growth on the global stage, with players like D Gukesh and R Vaishali making headlines internationally. His success adds to this momentum and signals a strong future for Indian chess.

For Kolkata, this is yet another moment of pride, a reminder that the city continues to nurture world-class talent across disciplines.
 
As Aronyak Ghosh steps into the elite circle of Grandmasters, his journey stands as an inspiration for countless young aspirants, proving that with resilience, support, and passion, even the biggest dreams can be achieved.