Life's a game of chess – sometimes you’re the player, sometimes you’re the piece. That's the kind of wisdom you don’t always find in textbooks, but it perfectly encapsulates the path of a chess champion like Vaishali Rameshbabu.
When the Prime Minister of India handed over his social media handles to a select group of women trailblazers on Women’s Day, the first name that stood out was none other than Vaishali herself. "Vanakkam!" she greeted us, bringing a slice of Tamil Nadu's charm and warmth, all while standing tall as a symbol of empowerment.
But it’s not all about the pieces she moves — it’s about how she’s positioned herself as a role model, not just in the world of chess but in the hearts of millions.

Vaishali’s rise is the stuff of dreams. Starting at the tender age of 12, she clinched the Girls' World Youth Chess Championship titles for both Under-12 and Under-14 categories.
By 2016, she had already earned the prestigious title of Woman International Master (WIM), and in 2018, her final move led her to becoming a Woman Grandmaster. She’s not just a player; she’s a powerhouse, racking up accolades like the 2022 8th Fischer Memorial and a top prize at the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2023, earning her a spot in the coveted Women’s Candidates Tournament 2024.
But what makes Vaishali even more remarkable is her ability to connect with people beyond the chessboard. Her social media presence is both humble and powerful, with 87K followers on Instagram and 16.9K on Twitter. Every post from her feels like a little spark of motivation, a glimpse into the life of a champion who's much more than her ELO rating.
In the world of Indian chess queens, Vaishali shares the spotlight with some truly legendary players. Take Koneru Humpy, the first female Grandmaster from India, who’s got a career that reads like a chess aficionado’s dream.
With multiple World Rapid Chess Championship wins and a Gold Medal at the Chess Olympiad, Humpy has set the bar high. While her exact net worth is elusive, she’s a powerhouse in every sense. Then there's Tania Sachdev, a chess icon in her own right, with a net worth of $2 million, who has earned accolades like the Asian Women’s Chess Championship and is known for her engaging commentary. With 250K Instagram followers, Tania is not just a chess player but a media personality too.
Vaishali's net worth, estimated to be around ₹4.2 Crore, places her comfortably among these legends, and her achievements at just 23 are a clear indication of her immense potential. While she may not have the same Instagram following as Tania or the legacy of Humpy, she’s certainly on her way to becoming a household name.
Looking ahead, Vaishali is poised to make even bigger moves in the chess world. Having recently crossed the 2500 Elo rating mark and earning her Grandmaster title, she’s about to face off in some of the toughest competitions the world has to offer. And let’s not forget, with her brother, Praggnanandhaa, being a rising star too, the Rameshbabu family is a name that the world of chess will continue to reckon with.
But what sets Vaishali apart isn’t just her exceptional chess skills — it's her mindset. As she said during her takeover of PM Modi's social media (Tribune India), “I want to encourage women to follow their dreams and break barriers in any field they choose because I know they can.” In a world that often tells women to play it safe, Vaishali isn’t just playing the game — she’s reshaping it.
In the grand chessboard of life, Vaishali is proving that sometimes the best moves aren’t the ones you make on the board — they’re the ones you make with your voice, your influence, and your heart.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in the article has been sourced from various public sources. myKhel does not take responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or verification of this information.