Know India's brand new WIM, Vantika Agrawal: An Interview

Interview with Vantika

HR: Back to back norms in three tournaments, that's a superb performance! What was your mindset during these tournaments? How did you celebrate your achievement? :)

VA: My first norm in IIFL Mumbai came as a surprise to me but the Sharjah and Dubai tournaments, I played my best for norms. I got my first norm on my mom’s birthday and the second was on my dad’s birthday. I was extremely happy and celebrated with family and friends.

HR: When did you start playing? What made you fall in love with the game?

VA: I was seven and a half years old when I first touched the chess board. I started playing chess in school and was enjoying playing it with my brother Vishesh. I started winning trophies from the very beginning of my chess career. Soon I realized that I had an immense passion for chess.

HR: Which, in your opinion, is the best game of your career so far?

VA: My favourite game is with Elizaveta Solozhenkina (rated 2320) at the World Youth Championship in 2016.

HR: Your mom has been a big support. How does she inspire you?

VA: Before the match, my mother boosts my confidence and when I lose a match she never scolds me. Instead, she motivates me and tries to make me regain my confidence. She has accompanied me to all the tournaments till date and is a pillar of strength to me.

HR: On an average, how many hours a day do you work on chess? What about physical training?

VA: I try to work for 8 hours a day but when I go to school I can only practice for 4 hours a day. I do yoga in the morning and play badminton in the evening for an hour.

HR: What are your favourite chess books? In terms of playing style, whom do you associate yourself with?

VA: I like reading  Dvoretsky’s books. Earlier I used to associate my style with Anatoly Karpov. Now I associate it with Magnus Carlsen.

HR: An open tournament has many variations: single rounds and double rounds. How do you cope with the tension?

VA: Earlier I used to play three rounds a day in a tournament. So playing two rounds was never a problem for me. But now I like playing only a game match a day as it is generally a long and tiring game. Two-games-a-day becomes comfortable for me when I can get enough rest between the rounds.

HR: How do you react to losses in tournaments?

VA: I am very upset with losses. Earlier, I used to cry a lot. While sleeping too, I used to murmur. But now, I have matured. I try to learn from my mistakes now and concentrate on my next games after I have lost.

HR: How do you unwind? What do you do in leisure time? Any favourite movies/songs etc?

VA: In my leisure time, I watch live games and keep in touch with recent happenings in the chess world. I also like watching movies. My favourite movie is Dangal.

HR: What is your goal as regards to chess? How do you intend to go ahead with your career in the coming years?

VA: I want to become a Grand Master. Also, I wish to play for the Indian and win a medal for my country.

Interview with Vantika's mom, Sangeeta

HR: What was your initial reaction when Vantika crossed 2200 rating mark? Looking back, what are your proud moments?

SA: The day she crossed the 2200 rating mark, I was overjoyed. That’s when I began seeing our dream of her becoming a WIM come true.

HR: Was it a typical summer chess camp or were there any chess playing family members who taught her the game? How did it begin? 

SA: Vantika and her brother Vishesh learnt chess at school and started playing together at the same time. Both of them used to play chess almost all the time for 2 years. My first moment of pride was when at the age of 8 Vantika won an Under-15 Open tournament. After that, she has made us proud by winning medals at State, National, Asian, World and Commonwealth championships. But I feel the happiest when players, coaches and parents come and tell me that my daughter plays really well and she will surely become a Grandmaster one day.

HR: You are a Charted Accountant and a chess mom. What challenges have you faced career wise and in life in general? 

SA: It’s really very difficult to pursue your own career and at the same time help my daughter chase her dream. But seeing her passion, I have decided to help her pursue her dream of becoming Grand Master and have given up on my career.

HR: Have you had any chess adventures? Or an interesting story to share with our readers?

SA: Each and every tournament has been adventurous for me. I think the most daunting was the U- 9 girls Asian Schools in 2011. Vantika played 7 rounds in 101-102 degrees fever and yet was able to win the event. I also had a high fever and Vantika made me stand by her during all her rounds. It was a difficult time for both of us but after all, I feel it was well worth it.

HR: As a parent, what change would you like to see in Indian chess scene?

SA: I think, India needs more quality tournaments where special entries are not allowed.

HR: What role did the coaches play in your daughter’s success?

SA: Each and every one of her coaches did their best and took her to a higher level.

HR: When accompanying to tournaments, it’s equally tiring for parents as there are long waiting hours and the tension is usually high. How do you unwind?

SA: Sometimes, it is very tiring and boring while she is playing. I usually talk to my chess friends and try to keep my tension level low. Fatigue increases if she loses a match – particularly against a lower rated opponent. But when she wins, all my weariness is taken off my shoulder.

HR: Could you share any tips for chess parents?

SA: Chess is a very long Journey. As parents, we should all have patience.

HR: How do you support Vantika’s chess career (sponsors, school etc)?

SA: At present, we are funding the entire chess expense on our own.

HR: Thanks a lot to both of you for sparing time for the interview. And once again, many congratulations to you, Vantika, on achieving the WIM title.