Soham Kamotra has made history as the first chess player from Jammu and Kashmir to earn the prestigious International Master (IM) title. The 20-year-old achieved this milestone by crossing the significant Elo rating threshold of 2400 at the Abu Dhabi Masters 2024, securing his place among the elite players in Indian chess.
A Remarkable Journey:
Path to the Title: Soham’s ascent to the IM title has been characterized by relentless effort and consistent performance. His journey began with his first IM norm at the Abu Dhabi Masters in 2022. He followed this with a second norm at the Hanoi GM Round Robin in Vietnam the subsequent year. His third and final norm was achieved at the Odisha GM International in 2024. Over six years, Soham progressed from an Elo rating of 2000 in 2018 to surpassing the 2400 mark, showcasing a remarkable improvement and dedication.
Background and Training: A former under-18 national champion, Soham has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to chess. His training has been guided by several prominent coaches, including Vivek Bharti from Jammu and Sumit Grover. He currently trains under Grandmaster Swapnil Dhopade and has also benefitted from a training camp led by Grandmaster Shyam Sundar.
Coach’s Perspective: Grandmaster Swapnil Dhopade commented on Soham’s achievement, stating, “Soham has faced many ups and downs in his career, but his persistence and strength have been his greatest assets. He is a huge talent and, with continued dedication, is well on his way to becoming a Grandmaster.”
Impact and Inspiration: Soham Kamotra’s historic achievement is poised to inspire a new generation of chess players in Jammu and Kashmir. His success is expected to foster a stronger chess culture in the region and motivate young enthusiasts to pursue their own aspirations in the game.
Future Prospects: With the International Master title now under his belt, Soham’s future in chess looks promising. His dedication and achievements signal a bright path ahead, potentially leading him towards the Grandmaster title.
