Interview with ChessBase India
In a candid chat with ChessBase India, the young talent shared insights into his early beginnings in the sport, how he stayed composed when the norm was on the line in Hungary, and his plans for the upcoming Senior National Championship. Here is the full exchange:
Devansh Singh: When did you start playing chess?
Jyotshnav Talukdar: I started chess just as a hobby back in 2018 in Guwahati, Assam. Later, due to my parents' job, we shifted to Odisha, and I started playing again around 2021. However, I have taken the game seriously only for the past two years.
Devansh Singh: Are you currently working with any coaches or trainers?
Jyotshnav Talukdar: I train at ProChessTa in Bhubaneswar under the guidance of International Master S. Satyapragyan.
Devansh Singh: What was going through your mind when you realized an International Master norm was within reach here in Hungary?
Jyotshnav Talukdar: Honestly speaking, I wasn’t playing with the sole aim of chasing a norm; I just tried to play my best chess in every single round. Only before the final round did I learn I had a chance at the norm. I kept my composure, played normally, drew the game, and successfully confirmed the IM norm.
Devansh Singh: What are the next tournaments you are planning to play?
Jyotshnav Talukdar: Right now, I need to work on my games and spend time practicing the specific areas where I made mistakes. I'll focus on training for at least a month. After that, I plan to play norm tournaments as well as the Senior National Championship in India.
Devansh Singh: Anything else you would like to add about this milestone?
Jyotshnav Talukdar: I have only just begun my journey. Scoring this norm has certainly boosted my confidence to keep pushing forward, but at the end of the day, I just want to play good chess.
Devansh Singh: Anyone you would like to thank who supported you on this journey?
Jyotshnav Talukdar: I would like to thank my parents, my coach at ProChessTa, IM S. Satyapragyan Sir, my earlier coach Dinesh Pandey Sir, and GM Shyam Sundar Sir for the wonderful training camps I attended. A big thank you as well to my friends and all my well-wishers.
We at ChessBase India congratulate Jyotshnav on this significant milestone and wish him the very best in his pursuit of the International Master title!
