Chess Star Vantika Agrawal Aims for Top 10 Global Rankings and Grandmaster Title
India’s rising chess star, Vantika Agrawal, has recently been awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award, marking a significant milestone in her career. The 39th ranked player in the world women’s classical rankings expressed her gratitude for the recognition, describing it as one of the most defining moments of her career.
Vantika, who currently holds 2411 points, showcased her exceptional skills during India’s historic Chess Olympiad victory in 2024, climbing 12 places in the global rankings and earning 13 ELO points. Her next big goal is to break into the top 10 women players worldwide and secure the Grandmaster title.
In a statement, Vantika credited her hard work, the dedication of her coaches, and the unwavering support of her family and mentors for her success. She also expressed her ambition to elevate Indian chess to greater heights and inspire a new generation of players, especially women, to strive for excellence.
Meanwhile, Indian squash player Abhay Singh, who was also chosen for the Arjuna Award, shared his excitement about the achievement. The world number 54 player, currently training in England, described the honor as a great achievement but admitted that the emotion has yet to fully sink in.
Abhay, who aims to break into the top 30 of world rankings this year, expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by his team and family. He shared that he found out about the award while napping in an Uber on his way to training, and is looking forward to the official ceremony in Delhi.
As Abhay continues his training in England and prepares for upcoming events in the USA, he remains focused on his goal of making his country proud on the international squash stage. His parents, who have always been supportive of his career, are eagerly awaiting his return home after his long trips away.
Both Vantika and Abhay’s dedication to their respective sports and their determination to achieve their goals serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes across India. Their success stories highlight the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the support of loved ones in reaching new heights in the world of sports.