Indian chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu, sister of chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, has made history by becoming India’s third female Grandmaster. Vaishali achieved this feat by surpassing a rating of 2500 during the 2023 IV Elllobregat Open on Saturday. This accomplishment also makes Vaishali and her younger brother the first-ever Grandmaster siblings in history.
Vaishali now joins the ranks of legendary chess players such as Vishwanathan Anand, Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Dibyendu Barua, and her brother Praggnanandhaa. The news of her achievement was celebrated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who congratulated the duo on their remarkable accomplishment.
In a tweet, Stalin said, “Huge congrats, @chessvaishali, on becoming the third female Grandmaster from India and the first from Tamil Nadu! 2023 has been splendid for you. Alongside your brother @rpragchess, you’ve made history as the first sister-brother duo to qualify for the #Candidates tournament. Adding to the glory, you are now the first-ever Grandmaster siblings. We’re immensely proud of your achievements, and your remarkable journey is an inspiration to aspiring chess enthusiasts and a testament to women’s empowerment in our state! #TamilNaduPride.”
Vaishali had already fulfilled three Grandmaster norms and completed the final requirement on Friday by attaining the necessary number of rating points. She now joins Humpy and Dronavalli as the only female players in India to hold the prestigious Grandmaster title.
This achievement by Vaishali Rameshbabu showcases her talent, dedication, and passion for the game of chess. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring chess players, particularly young girls, and highlights the growing prominence of women in the world of chess.
