Vaishali Ramesh Babu becomes Grand Master, third Indian woman after Hampi and Harika

NEW DELHI: Vaishali Ramesh Babu, the pride of India in the world of chess, has been given the title of Grand Master of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). After Koneru Hampi and Harika Dronavali, Vaishali is the third Indian woman chess player to become a Grandmaster. Vaishali is the sister of Grand Master Ramesh Babu Pragnananda.

With Vaishali's achievement, the two have become the first siblings in the world to hold the title of Grandmaster. Last January, the country honored Vaishali with the Arjuna Award.

In 2018, at the age of 13, Pragnananda attained the title of Grandmaster. In 2015, Vaishali made her presence known in the international chess arena by winning the Asian Youth Chess Championship in the under-14 girls category. Later, Vaishali also acquired the title of International Master (IM).