New Delhi
Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has reclaimed his spot among the world’s elite, returning to the top ten of the latest FIDE world rankings released on Saturday. Gukesh, who slipped to 11th position last month, now holds the ninth spot with a rating of 2763.
The 19-year-old will also enter the upcoming Chess World Cup 2025 as the top seed, showcasing his rise as India’s leading player. Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa dropped two positions each, ranking sixth and seventh respectively.
Germany’s Vincent Keymar made a big leap, climbing five spots to fourth with a 2773 rating, while Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri rose to fifth with 2769. Alireza Firouzja slipped to tenth, and Wesley So maintained eighth position.
In the women’s section, China’s Hou Yifan continues to dominate, followed by Zhu Jiner and Lei Tingjie. From India, Koneru Humpy ranks sixth, and Divya Deshmukh holds 11th place.
At the Chess World Cup opening ceremony held in Goa, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the new Viswanathan Anand Trophy. He praised India’s rapid chess progress, noting the nation’s rise from fewer than 10 Grandmasters two decades ago to 90 today.
“India now holds Olympiad titles in both open and women’s categories, and the Women’s World Cup title through Divya Deshmukh,” Mandaviya said. “Hosting this World Cup will inspire even more champions in the years ahead.”
Gukesh’s return to the top ten comes at a defining moment as he leads India’s young generation of global chess stars.
