In a remarkable feat, Vaishali Rameshbabu has become India’s third female Grandmaster by surpassing the coveted 2500 rating mark at the 2023 IV Elllobregat Open. This achievement not only cements Vaishali’s position as a chess powerhouse but also marks a historic milestone as she and her younger brother, chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, become the first-ever Grandmaster siblings pair in the annals of chess history.
Despite being overshadowed by her brother’s meteoric rise to Grandmaster status at the tender age of 18, Vaishali has always been a star in her own right. Her impressive chess journey began at the age of 15 when she earned the title of Woman International Master. Two years later, she became a Woman Grandmaster, and by 20, she had achieved the prestigious International Master title.
Now, at the age of 22, Vaishali has emerged from the shadows and into the limelight, proving that her talent and achievements are undeniable. Her Grandmaster title not only breaks India’s 12-year wait for a female Grandmaster but also places her among the elite ranks of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, the only other Indian women to have achieved this honor.
Vaishali’s journey to Grandmaster status is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for chess. Just like her brother, Vaishali’s chess journey began at a young age, thanks to their mother’s initiative to enroll them in chess classes to curb their excessive television viewing.
The siblings’ coach, RB Ramesh, has aptly described their playing styles as initially similar but evolving in different directions. Both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa are known for their intense dedication and commitment to chess, spending countless hours practicing and honing their skills.
With their remarkable achievements, Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa have not only etched their names in chess history but also inspired a generation of young chess enthusiasts, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and hard work, anything is possible.
