Aaryan Varshney, a 21-year-old prodigy from Delhi, has officially been crowned India's 92nd Chess Grandmaster. He achieved this prestigious title on January 15, 2026, by clinching his third and final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial in Armenia, winning the tournament with a round to spare. This remarkable accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Indian chess, further solidifying the nation's growing prowess on the global chess stage. Varshney's journey to Grandmaster status is particularly inspiring due to his unconventional path. The Times of India article highlights a narrative of profound dedication, emphasizing that Aaryan primarily trained without a formal coach. His chess development was largely spearheaded by his single father, Gaurav Varshney, a physics teacher, who has raised him since his mother left when Aaryan was five. This 'single father's grind' underscores the immense personal sacrifices and unwavering support that propelled Aaryan to achieve his dream. The article also alludes to Aaryan's aspiration to one day challenge and defeat D. Gukesh, a prominent figure in Indian chess, reflecting his high ambitions. The story is a testament to perseverance, family support, and self-belief in the competitive world of professional chess. This news follows closely on the heels of Ilamparthi AR becoming India's 90th Grandmaster in October 2025 and Raahul VS becoming the 91st GM in November 2025. The rapid succession of new Grandmasters illustrates the burgeoning chess talent and culture within India.