SportsAthletesTeamsFederationsStadiumsNewsSports IndexesContact Us
Loading athlete page…
Last Updated: 2026
Harika Dronavalli

Harika Dronavalli

Harika Dronavalli is an Indian professional Chess player widely considered as one of the greatest female players in Indian Chess history.

Harika Dronavalli
PositionGrandmaster, International Master, Woman Grandmaster
Current TeamRetired
Place of BirthGuntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Birthdate1991-01-12
Last Updated: 2026
Career
International Career
State of Play
Personal Life
Legacy
Awards & Recognition
Summary
References
Careerarrow

Early Career

  • Harika was born and raised in Andhra Pradesh, and she started playing chess at an early age. She made her mark in the international arena by winning the U-14 girls World Championship in 2004.

Rise to Fame

  • Harika's career took off as she continued to perform well in various national and international tournaments. She was awarded the grandmaster title in 2011, becoming the second Indian woman to achieve this feat.

World Championships

  • Harika has represented India in multiple Women's World Chess Championships, earning three bronze medals in 2012, 2015, and 2017.

Recent Years

  • In recent years, Harika has consistently been in the top 10 of the FIDE women's rankings, cementing her place among the world's elite female chess players.
International Careerarrow

Indian National Team

  • Harika has been a crucial part of the Indian women's team in multiple Chess Olympiads and other team events.

Achievements:

  • World Junior Girls' Chess Championship: Winner in 2008.
  • Asian Women's Chess Championship: Winner in 2011.
  • Harika has also been awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Indian government for her contributions to Indian sports.
State of Playarrow
  • Position: Harika excels in all forms of chess including classical, rapid, and blitz.
  • Skills: Known for her strategic depth, tactical acumen, and endgame skills. Harika is celebrated for her versatility, defensive solidity, and ability to handle pressure.
Personal Lifearrow
  • Family: Harika is married to Karteek Chandra.
  • Role Model: Harika has often cited Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian Grandmaster, as her inspiration.
Legacyarrow
  • Harika Dronavalli is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her role in popularizing chess among women in India. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the chess board, inspiring millions of fans around the world.
Awards & Recognitionarrow

Women's World Chess Championship:

  • Three-time bronze medallist

World Junior Girls' Chess Championship:

  • Winner in 2008

Asian Women's Chess Championship:

  • Winner in 2011

Arjuna Award:

  • Recipient in 2007
Summaryarrow

Harika Dronavalli is an Indian professional chess player, born on January 12, 1991, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female chess players in Indian Chess history. Harika began her professional career at an early age before rising to international fame in her teenage years.

Harika is known for her deep understanding of the game, strategic thinking, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including three bronze medals in Women's World Chess Championships, and holds multiple records in Indian Chess history.

Off the board, Harika is also recognized for her influence on promoting chess in India and inspiring millions of young female chess enthusiasts.

Referencesarrow

Books

  • Agarwal, V. (2018) Mind Masters: Winning Lessons from Viswanathan Anand's Career. Noida: HarperCollins India. (Includes references to Harika's career)

Websites

  • FIDE: Information about Harika Dronavalli’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
  • Chess.com: Details about Harika’s career and performances. Available at: https://www.chess.com

Articles

  • The Hindu: Harika Dronavalli: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com
  • Indian Express: Harika Dronavalli’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.indianexpress.com

Interviews and Documentaries

  • ChessBase India: Various interviews and features on Harika Dronavalli, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.chessbase.in

Share

Full Name
Harika Dronavalli
Position
Grandmaster, International Master, Woman Grandmaster
Current Team
Retired
Place of Birth
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Birthdate
1991-01-12
Website
http://www.harikadronavalli.com/
Social Media
facebookinstagramx
Last Updated: 2026
LogoVerified badge

Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

 

We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.

Contact Us

Email
Contact
Business address
167 - 169 Great Portland Street, Fifth Floor, London, W1W 5PF

Follow Us

Produced by

Partner logo
Partner logo

Tech AI Media Platforms

Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo

© 2026 sportsdna. All rights reserved.

Powered by ztudium group

DisclaimerPrivacy PolicyTerms of Service
Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo