Warangal, a historic city in Telangana, has produced many achievers, but none quite like Sarayu Velpula, who has now been officially crowned India’s 26th Woman Grandmaster (WGM). For a girl who once travelled across districts for small tournaments, this moment is more than a title; it is the fulfillment of a long-held dream, built through discipline, sacrifice, and an unshakeable love for chess. In 2025, at the First League of Central Serbia, Sarayu secured her final WGM norm, confirming her place among India’s top female chess players. What looks like an 800-word story today is actually thousands of hours of work, late nights, losses, comebacks, and quiet determination.

Early Rise: The Foundation of a Champion

Born on 1 January 2006, Sarayu discovered chess early and quickly displayed a rare understanding of the board. Her first major breakthrough came when she became National Under-13 Girls Champion in 2019, a title that announced her arrival as one of India’s brightest young talents. But she didn’t stop there. She went on to become Runner-up, National Under-17 Girls (2023), and Runner-up, 38th National Junior Girls Championship (2024) These victories built her confidence but also taught her resilience. Losing close games, adapting strategies, and learning from mistakes shaped her into the player she is today. For many kids in India’s smaller cities, access to quality training is limited. Sarayu’s rise from Warangal shows what talent, family support, and self-belief can achieve.

The Event That Changed Everything

In July 2023, at the Pontevedra Masters in Spain, Sarayu delivered one of the most remarkable performances by any young Indian player. Here, she achieved her first Women International Master (WIM) norm, her first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm, and her first International Master (IM) norm, all in the same tournament. She finished with 6.5/9 points, a phenomenal performance rating of 2575, placing second overall. This single tournament transformed her career. Crossing the 2300 rating in September 2023 and reaching 2386 soon after, she became one of the fastest-rising young female players in the country. 

For any chess player, such progress in one year is extraordinary. For a teenager, it is history. In July 2025, she played the 100th Paris IdF Masters, a tournament known for its competitive field. Against higher-rated international players, Sarayu scored important wins and held difficult draws. Her consistency earned her the second WGM norm, keeping her dream alive. By now, she had transformed from a promising youngster into a composed international competitor, someone who could calmly outplay stronger opponents, hold her nerve under pressure, and fight till the final move. Her peak rating has since touched 2443, proving that she is not just a WGM; she is a future IM, and perhaps even a GM in the making.

Serbia and the Moment of Victory

The First League of Central Serbia (2025) became the final chapter of her WGM journey. Here, Sarayu displayed maturity beyond her age—defeating several seasoned grandmasters and showing remarkable strategic depth. With this, she secured her final WGM norm, officially becoming India’s 26th Woman Grandmaster. For her family, coaches, and fans, it was an emotional moment. The young girl who had once studied chess videos late into the night was now among India’s finest. Sarayu has been selected to represent India at the FIDE World Women’s Team Championship 2025, held in Linares, Spain. Playing alongside India’s top women, this tournament will give her invaluable experience. For a teenager to play on this platform is not just an achievement; it is a responsibility and a dream come true.

Why Sarayu’s Story Matters

 Her journey shows how young Indian women are reshaping the future of global chess. Sarayu Velpula is more than a chess champion; she is a symbol of India’s rising talent, of Telangana’s growing sporting culture, and of the power of young women in sports. Her success proves that greatness can emerge from anywhere, even from the quiet lanes of Warangal, and that with dedication, support, and courage, any young girl can reach the world stage.