Bangalore’s Apoorv Kamble (born 2009) has officially become an International Master, reaching 2419 Elo.
✨ All 3 IM norms achieved in 2025
♟️ Norms from Teplice Open, TN IM Closed RR, and 34th IM Norm RR (Chennai)
📈 Jumped from 1802 to 2400+ Elo in just 2 years 9 months
🔥 Defeated top Indian stars in a WestBridge tandem simul
A product of years of hard work, strong coaching, and Tamil Nadu’s closed RR tournaments.
👏 Huge congratulations to Apoorv—GM journey begins!
Apoorv scored all of his 3 norms in 2025 itself. The first one he scored was at the Teplice Open in June 2025, the second one at the Tamil Nadu IM closed Round Robin tournament in October 2025. At this event he also crossed 2400 Elo. The 3rd and the final norm came at the 34th IM norm closed round robin tournament in Chennai. Apoorv’s results show the amazing impact of the closed Round Robin tournaments that Tamil Nadu has been organizing in the country.
Speaking to ChessBase India Apoorv’s mother, Aarti says, “We really appreciate his hard work, dedication, and focus in achieving his IM title. He is a very humble person, and we are proud of him for completing three norms and crossing 2400 Elo rating within the last four tournaments he played.”
When the WestBridge celebrations happened in Bangalore, there was a tandem simul that was held where the talented kids of Bangalore played against the best of Indian chess – Vishy Anand, Gukesh, Pragg and Vaishali. Apoorv managed to win his game in this simultaneous exhibition.
When it comes to coaches, Apoorv has consistently worked with FM Gurpreet Pal Singh as his main trainer for the last 5 years. He has also received training through Lakshyan Sports Academy’s coaches from the past 2 years and attended Chola training camps in Chennai.
The boy was always very talented since a very young age and you could see it in his play. But improvement came slow for Apoorv. Until January 2023 his FIDE rating was 1802. It’s amazing that in 2 years and 9 months, the boy has gained 600 Elo points and become an IM.
Aarti, Apoorv’s mother says, “We would like to thank Lakshyan Foundation for supporting Apoorv from 2022/23, IM Raja Ravi Shekhar sir and IM Poobesh Anand S who taught him chess in his initial days, Apoorv’s school – Shishya BEML Public School for their constanst support towards his chess career. A special thanks to few well-wishers who have been there throughout the journey – Mr.Jigando Balan Mr.Sanjay Sindhia MH, Mr.Hariharan Subramony, Mr.Shripad Sengaonkar, and all the friends, family and well-wishers whose names were not mentioned.”