Debashis Das becomes first GM from Odisha

Twenty-one year old Debashis Das today became the first Grandmaster from Odisha with a win over Anirudha Deshpande in the National Challenger being held in Bhopal.

Das, who received his International Master title in 2010, today crossed the magical Elo mark of 2500 points to become the 34th GM from the country.

The All-Odisha Chess Association announced a Rs 50,000 cash award for Das.

"The entire state is proud of him. We will give him a rousing welcome when he returns from the National Challengers," an AOCA official said.

Das, who hails from a village called Niali in Cuttack district, made his international debut at the Asian Youth championship in Delhi, 2005 finishing fourth.
 

Last year, he won the National Challenger held in Tirputi.