Nashik: Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi Conferred With Arjuna Award After Rising To India’s Top Chess Ranks

Nashik-born chess grandmaster Vidit Santosh Gujrathi has been honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his significant contribution to the sport. Vidit, along with Maharashtra's Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, received this recognition. Since the age of six, Vidit has been deeply involved in chess. He became India's 30th young Grandmaster in 2013, and after 13 years, he was awarded the Arjuna Award.

Notably, Vidit won the runner-up position at the 2006 Asian Youth Chess Championship and earned the FIDE Master title. At just 14 years old, he claimed the World Youth Chess Championship, positioning Nashik on the global chess stage. He was the first Indian to achieve this accomplishment. Vidit became a Grandmaster in 2013, later surpassing the 2,700 Elo rating mark in 2017, making him India's fourth Super Grandmaster.

The Arjuna Award announcement brought immense joy to Nashik's sports community. Numerous well-wishers visited Vidit's home, congratulating his parents and offering their best wishes for his future endeavors. Responding to the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' announcement, Vidit expressed his delight at receiving this prestigious honor.

While his determination and hard work led to numerous accolades, he credited his parents for inspiring and motivating him throughout his journey.