Sleepless nights, depressing times, and then a Grandmaster: Making of Rathanvel VS

After four-and-a-half years of heartbreak, sleepless nights and repeated near-misses, Rathanvel VS finally crossed the 2500 Elo mark to become India’s 99th Grandmaster. From discovering chess through a free board to overcoming injuries, financial setbacks and crushing disappointments, the 2001-born Coimbatore player’s perseverance, family support and belief transformed a long-awaited dream into reality.