Krishnan Sasikiran

Sasikiran started playing chess at the age of 10 and became an IM in 1999 and GM in 2000. He was the second Indian after Ex-World Champion Vishy Anand to cross 2700. Sasikiran was honoured by Government of India with "Arjuna Award" (civilian honour) in 2002 for his exceptional performance. He has also been the Indian National champion for 4 times (1999, 2002, 2003 and 2012), Asian Individual (Classical) Champion in 2003 and holds the record for playing the highest number of chess games (more than 100) for India in the Olympiads. Sasikiran was instrumental in India winning the first ever Bronze Medal at 41st Olympiad at Tromso, Norway in 2014 and won the Individual Silver Medal on Board 3 for his performance in the same event. His other chess achievements include winning the European Club Cup in 2013 (for Novy Bor), becoming the first Indian to win the 52nd edition of the Prestigious "Capablanca Memorial" in 2017, and many other open tournaments around the world including the Rilton Cup and Benasque Open. Sasikiran joined the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) a Government of India undertaking and playing for them since 1999.