Rasika: How does it feel to have won the National Under-13 Championship?
Aaradhya: It feels great, especially because this is the first time I have become an unbeaten National Champion. I had come very close to winning the title twice before, in 2024 and 2025.
Rasika: We've seen pictures of your grand welcome back home, with people celebrating your victory. Can you tell us more about that homecoming?
Aaradhya: After becoming an unbeaten champion, I saw my father receiving non-stop calls from well-wishers, the media, the State Chess Association, and relatives. I received a wonderful welcome at Agartala Airport from the All Tripura Chess Association, well-wishers, and family members, and we all celebrated by sharing sweets.
Rasika: Tripura has a small but growing chess scene. Have you noticed any change in it compared to a few years ago?
Aaradhya: Compared to a few years ago, the chess scene in Tripura has changed a lot. Many new players have taken up the game because the number of tournaments is increasing day by day, and people are also encouraged by some strong results coming out of our state.
Check out her games
Rasika: This win qualifies you for the World and Asian championships. How do you plan to prepare for that?
Aaradhya: For now, I am focusing on upcoming tournaments, as the Asian and World Championships will take place next year.
Rasika: What's the next milestone you're aiming for now?
Aaradhya: I want to become a Woman International Master as soon as possible. The Asian and World Chess Championships will also be top priorities on my mind.
For Aaradhya's Parents
Rasika: As a parent, how do you feel about this victory?
Aaradhya's Parents: As parents, we are extremely happy. Before this, she had won eight medals across the Asian Youth, Commonwealth, and Asian Schools championships, along with multiple silver medals in National Schools and an individual silver in the SGFI Under-17 Girls category. However, we always felt something was missing without a National title. She has now fulfilled that dream by becoming the unbeaten National Champion in the Under-13 Girls category.
