MR Lalit Babu calls Mumbai chess title a special win
GM MR Lalit Babu overcame illness to win the Aurionpro International GM Chess Tournament in Mumbai. The 32-year-old called it a significant title and now sets sights on re-entering the ELO 2600 club and qualifying for elite global events
Hyderabad: For GM MR Lalit Babu, the title win at the Aurionpro International Grandmaster and Junior Chess Tournament in Mumbai on Tuesday night was exactly what the doctor might have prescribed as he eyes greater achievements on the global chess stage.
His previous major title came at the Thailand Open in October 2024. With this latest triumph, the 32-year-old is eager to script more memorable moments in the coming months.
A Grandmaster since 2012, Lalit has long been recognised as one of India’s top chess talents and was part of the Indian team that clinched a bronze medal at the 2014 Chess Olympiad.
Speaking to Telangana Today, Lalit said the latest title meant a lot to him—not just for the win, but for the circumstances under which it came.
“It was not just about battling it out on the 64 squares but also fighting fever, cough, and cold. It was physically and mentally draining for sure,” said a visibly relieved Lalit.
“Importantly, I stayed focussed right through and am glad with the way I played,” he added.
A quiet achiever in Indian chess, Lalit said the win served as a gentle reminder of his ambitions at the highest level.
“Yes, this win can well be a signal that I still mean business at the top level. It only makes me more determined to aim bigger.”
“For sure, this title also means I have passed through a testing phase successfully and can now focus on bigger goals,” said Lalit, an officer with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).
Reflecting on the tournament, Lalit pointed out that his win over Levan Pantsulaia in the final round proved decisive.
Looking ahead, his immediate targets are to break back into the ELO 2600-plus club, qualify for elite events, and don national colours in team competitions once again.
“I owe a lot to my employer IOCL for the way they’ve supported me over the years. They provided the much-needed stability even before I became a Grandmaster. I hope to bring more laurels to them and to the country,” Lalit signed off with confidence.
