The gratitude towards the game of chess!
"How does the game of black and white add colour and brightness to your life?" This Diwali, we asked this question to all the top woman players of India. They are all stars and at some point in their career have been National Champions, won medals at the Asian and world level for the country. However one thing that is common to all of them is the gratitude that they have for the game of chess. It is said that no player ever becomes bigger than the sport. And this emotion is amply shown in the answers given by Harika, Tania, Eesha, Padmini and Soumya!
India is blessed to have some of the best woman players in the world of chess. Each and every player mentioned in this article works on the game with great energy. Chess is their full-time profession. With so many laurels won, and so many hours of hard work done on the board in the quiet of their study room, it is natural to ask them the following question: "How did the game of black and white add colour and brightness to your life?" This is what the girls have to say:
Harika Dronavalli
"My life wouldn't be as colourful as it is today if it wasn't for the black and white. We see at the board every day, as this is what has given me an opportunity to achieve and excel."
Tania Sachdev
"Except the board and pieces, all else.. the emotions, the ups and downs, good and bad tournaments, the travels is all really colourful! The whole chess journey lights up our lives!"
Eesha Karavade
"When I play a good game or even see some nice classics or solve a small tactic, the happiness (I get out of that) is worth all the hard work and efforts!"
Padmini Rout
"Chess has been a blessing to me. Like a guiding light it has been. It just happened that I became a chess player. The process has taught me a lot and I have met some amazing people, colourful and bright! I love this festival of light! I wish everyone a very happy Diwali!"
Soumya Swaminathan
"Chess has added colour and brightness to my life in every way! My dreams, goals, friends, memories, travels, learning - everything is associated with chess. How do I single one out? Perhaps the greatest gift chess has given me is that it has given me direction and a sense of purpose in life . A life with these two things is always bright and happy as you look forward to each day and are constantly motivated."
AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan's Diwali message to the chess community of India: "The obsession and passion about the sixty four black and white squares made my life satisfying one, and may this festive season bring more cheerful colours and lights in the life of chess fratentity on and off the board to celebrate the life to the fullest!"