From Chance Encounter to Chess Champion: The Inspiring Journey of Vantika Agrawal
Vantika Agrawal: From Chance Encounter to Chess Champion
NEW DELHI: Vantika Agrawal’s journey to becoming a double gold medallist at the 2024 Chess Olympiad started with a simple chance encounter in school. Introduced to the game during a zero period at Amity International in Noida, Vantika was immediately captivated by the sight of chess pieces gliding across the board.
From that moment on, Vantika’s life took a new direction as she delved deeper into the world of chess. Transitioning from local coaching to training under grandmasters like Praveen Thipsay and Vishnu Prasanna, Vantika faced challenges in a region where chess culture was scarce.
Despite the lack of support for chess in north India, Vantika’s determination and hard work paid off as she went on to win state, national, Asian, and World Championships. Her achievements culminated in her recent recognition with the prestigious Arjuna Award, a moment that she describes as feeling “on top of the world.”
Behind Vantika’s success is her unwavering dedication to the game. Spending hours daily on training, solving puzzles, and studying books by chess legends, Vantika’s rigorous routine has helped her hone her skills and climb the ranks in the chess world.
Despite her impressive resume, Vantika continues to face challenges in gaining recognition on the global stage. While she has achieved success at the Chess Olympiad, she still struggles to receive invitations to elite tournaments, relying instead on open tournaments to improve her rating.
But Vantika remains undeterred in her pursuit of excellence. With the support of her mother, who has sacrificed everything to help her succeed, Vantika is determined to continue refining her game, working with the best coaches, and making her mark in the world of chess.
As she sets her sights on new goals and challenges, Vantika’s story serves as a reminder that with passion, hard work, and determination, anything is possible. From a chance encounter in school to standing tall as a chess champion, Vantika Agrawal’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in achieving greatness.