India Almost Hits 100 Grandmasters – What About Zambia’s Chess Warriors?
By Mwansa Chisanga
While our neighbours and the rest of the world celebrate chess milestones, Zambia sits back and watches. India is now just one Grandmaster away from hitting 100 GMs after VS Rathanvel became their 99th. That is a number that should make every Zambian ask: where is our own chess revolution?
India’s rise in chess is no accident. It is the result of national pride, investment in young talent, and a system that rewards hard work. Rathanvel, a 25-year-old from Coimbatore, finally crossed the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026 after years of grinding. He had completed his three GM norms back in 2022 but struggled to hit the rating requirement. That is mental toughness, plain and simple.
Why Should Zambia Care About Indian Chess?
Because if India can produce 99 Grandmasters from a population of over a billion, Zambia – with its rich talent and fighting spirit – should be producing more than just a handful of International Masters. We have the raw material. What we lack is the will to invest in our own people. Foreign coaches and imported systems will never understand the Zambian soul the way our own do.
Rathanvel’s story is one of perseverance. He took up chess at six, learned at a local academy, and now trains independently while competing in European leagues. He is a mechanical engineer by qualification but chose chess as a career. That is the kind of dedication we need to nurture here in Zambia. Not every young Zambian needs to be a footballer or a musician. Chess can be a path to national glory and international respect.
Zambia Must Stop Begging and Start Building
The All India Chess Federation president Nitin Narang congratulated Rathanvel, saying India is now just one GM away from 100. That is the kind of leadership we need from our own sports bodies. Instead of waiting for handouts from Western organisations or foreign donors, we should be building our own chess academies, sponsoring local tournaments, and sending our best players to compete internationally.
Rathanvel plans to play stress-free now and target stronger tournaments. He said: “I’ll be able to play stress-free and probably a bit more relaxed. I think that will help me perform better.” That is the mindset of a champion. Our Zambian players deserve the same chance to focus on the game without worrying about funding or visas.
Time for Zambia to Wake Up
India is nearing 100 Grandmasters. Zambia has zero. That is not a reflection of our talent. It is a reflection of our priorities. We cannot keep blaming colonialism or foreign interference for our failures. The world is moving fast, and if we do not act now, we will be left behind in chess just as we are in technology and industry.
Let this be a wake-up call. If India can do it, so can Zambia. But it starts with believing in ourselves and investing in our own. No more excuses. No more waiting for someone else to save us. Zambia’s chess future is in our hands.
Photo: Rediff.com India Ltd.