Harika Dronavalli is one of India’s most decorated and influential chess grandmasters. A five‑time Asian medallist and a bronze medallist in the Women’s World Championship format, she earned the Padma Shri in 2019 for her outstanding contribution to sport.

Her 2024‑25 season was historic: she helped India’s Women’s team win gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest — her first team Olympic gold after a two‑decade journey of representing India.

In March 2025 she placed on the podium at the Nicosia Women’s Grand Prix, showing she remains a serious contender at the top level.

At the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, Harika advanced to the quarter‑finals but was edged out by compatriot Divya Deshmukh in rapid tie‑breaks, signaling both her consistency and the rising strength of India’s women’s chess.