Vidit Gujrathi shared his feelings about being awarded the Arjuna Award in an interview with Hindustan Times. Vidit says he was pleasantly surprised, and recalls that he was previously disappointed at not being considered for the nomination.

Vidit Gujrathi

Vidit Gujrathi

India’s No. 6

“I had no clue why people were congratulating me. Then I got a call from the Sports Authority of India and figured out that I was announced as Arjuna awardee this year.

My wife was right there so she was the first one I told, and we were both very pleasantly surprised. But the most special feeling for me was to hear the happiness in her voice and my family’s voice when I rang them up to share the news with them.

Yes, there were times in the past when I felt I deserved such a recognition earlier. There were many significant moments in my career that would have justified me receiving this honour earlier. Especially, when I was in my prime between 2022 and 2024 and winning gold medals across the world and was at the peak of the world rankings.

At that time, I felt disappointed that I was not considered. It was bothering me then but was not in my control so I had to detach myself from the thought for my own mental peace.

But today, I feel glad that it has finally happened!”

Vidit Gujrathi is India’s No. 6 and World’s No. 36. He won the FIDE Grand Swiss Champion 2023, Biel Chess Festival 2019, Tata Steel Challengers 2018, and other events. Vidit reached a peak rating of 2747 in 2024. He is the third Indian player in history to qualify for the Candidates.

The Arjuna Award is India’s second-highest national sporting honor. It was established in 1961 by the Government of India. The Award is presented annually to recognize consistent outstanding achievement and sportsmanship over a four-year period at the international level. More than 20 Indian chess players have received the Arjuna Award, including Viswanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa R, Gukesh Dommaraju, and others.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE