STARS OF KERALA- GM GN GOPAL
GRANDMASTER GEETHA NARAYANAN GOPAL
Born on March 29, 1989, in Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India, is a distinguished figure in the world of chess. He started playing chess at the age of 10 and quickly rose to prominence in the national and international chess arenas.
National Achievements:
- Gopal made history by becoming Kerala's first Grand Master at the age of 18.
- He won the National Junior (U-20) championship in 2004 in Tirupathi.
- In 2004, he also won gold in the National U-12 Rapid in Chandigarh.
- He secured silver in the National Premier (Men's) Championship in Delhi in December 2010 and was tied for second in the same championship in Chennai in 2008.
- His other notable national achievements include winning silver in the National Junior in Delhi in August 2006 and various other national-level competitions.
- He won Gold in National Team Championships in Bhubaneswar 2018
- He again won Gold in National Team Championships Kolkata 2019
- Recently he won a Silver in National Team Championship in Pollachi 2023?
International Achievements:
- Gopal won a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2010 held in Guangzhou, China.
- He also secured a bronze medal in the World Team Championship in Bursa, Turkey, in 2010.
- In 2012, he won a silver medal in the Asian Team Championship in China and a bronze for board performance in the Asian Team Blitz Championship and a silver in the Asian Zonals Dhaka 2007.
- His early international successes include winning gold in the Dubai Open Junior in 2003 and various commendable performances in other international tournaments.
Recognition and Career Highlights:
- Gopal's unique achievement of becoming a Grand Master within just eight years of taking up chess has been widely recognized.
- He received the prestigious Tigran Mets Medal during the Lake Sevan 2007, a significant honor from the Republic of Armenia.
- He has represented India in three successive Chess Olympiads and played in the World Mind Sports Games (WMSG) in Beijing, 2008.
As of December 2023, Gopal's FIDE rating stands at 2575, with his peak rating being 2611 in July 2010. His journey in chess is marked by significant achievements and contributions to the sport, particularly in popularizing chess in Kerala and beyond? and continues to inspire upcoming chess players. His consistent performance in various national and international competitions highlights his skills and dedication to chess.