R Vaishnav Rathanvel, a 25-year-old from Coimbatore, earns his 99th Grandmaster (GM) title as India moves closer to reaching a century of Grandmasters. Multiple reports say he had already completed the three GM norms in 2022, but his path to the final title took longer than expected because he repeatedly fell short of the required live rating. The period between completing norms and crossing the rating threshold is described as a test of patience and mental resilience. One outlet highlights that his focus now shifts from meeting rating requirements to having greater flexibility in how he plays. Together, the accounts portray a gradual final step after meeting the formal norm criteria, culminating in his new GM status.