Deekshitha Modipalli's father launches fundraiser to support her Grandmaster dream
At just 14, Deekshitha Modipalli has already made a remarkable mark on the Indian chess scene. In the span of just two months, she climbed from a rating of 1985 to 2400+, gaining nearly 450 rating points across four tournaments and securing an IM norm along the way. Now, as she looks to take the next steps towards her Grandmaster dream, her family has launched a fundraiser to help support the costs of training, tournaments, travel, and international competition. Read the article to learn more.
Support 14-year-old rising chess talent
14-year-old Deekshitha Modipalli has had a remarkable two months. She recently jumped from a rating of 1985 to crossing 2400+ across four tournaments. That's a gain of nearly 450 rating points! She also secured an IM norm along the way. She is the girl who has been travelling to tournaments independently since she was just 10 years old. We recently published an article on her rating climb; you can check it out here.
Now, her father, M. Sheshadri Nayudu, has started a fundraiser on Ketto to help her continue this journey.
Deekshitha's achievements include:
Gold Medal at the MPL 11th National Schools U-11 Girls Chess Championship in 2023
Silver Medal – 21st National Team Women's Chess Championship (2024)
Gold Medal – 13th National Schools Chess Championship in 2025
Gold Medal – 38th National Under-13 Chess Championship in 2025
About the fundraiser
Deekshitha comes from Hampapuram Village in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. Her family has been supporting her chess journey, but the financial demands have grown considerably as she has moved to a higher level.
As a middle-class family, it has become increasingly difficult for us to meet these expenses. Your contribution, regardless of the amount, will help Deekshitha continue her journey toward becoming India's next Grandmaster.
- Her father expressed.
He also explained how the funds will be utilised:
Expense | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
International airfare | 2,00,000 |
Visa expenses | 30,000 |
Tournament entry fees | 1,00,000 |
Accommodation | 3,00,000 |
Local transportation | 50,000 |
Coaching and training | 4,00,000 |
Tournament preparation | 2,00,000 |
Food and other travel-related expenses | 2,00,000 |
Total | 14,80,000 |
Deekshitha dreams of becoming a Grandmaster and representing India at the Chess Olympiad and World Championships. Those who would like to support her journey can contribute to her fundraiser on Ketto. Every contribution, big or small, can help Deekshitha access the training, tournaments and international opportunities she needs to take the next steps in her chess journey and move closer to her Grandmaster goal.
Support Deekshitha Modipalli
