Savitha Shri to Represent India at Women’s Chess Olympiad 2026: A New Chapter Begins in Indian Chess History
Savitha Shri to Represent India at Women’s Chess Olympiad 2026
Special Arrangements
NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s chess team, fresh off a historic gold medal at the last Chess Olympiad in Budapest, is gearing up for the 2026 edition in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This time, however, the squad will feature a new face: 19-year-old Savitha Shri from Chennai, who steps in for the celebrated Harika Dronavalli, who has opted to focus on individual tournaments.
Savitha’s selection comes as a thrilling surprise, not just for her but for the entire chess community. “She’s so happy to participate. Her main ambition is to represent India,” her father, Baskar, shared in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com. Savitha previously showcased her talent as part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she played alongside chess luminaries like Koneru Humpy and Harika.
A Journey Rooted in Family
Savitha’s chess journey began in her childhood, inspired by her older brother, Mugesh. “We initially encouraged our son to pursue chess,” Baskar recalled. “Savitha’s interest grew as she watched him play.” By the age of six, both siblings were training under renowned coach RB Ramesh, but financial constraints soon forced the family to make a tough decision. “We couldn’t manage two chess careers,” Baskar explained, ultimately deciding to support Savitha’s burgeoning talent.
Baskar made a significant sacrifice, leaving his job as an electrician in Singapore to return to India and nurture his daughter’s chess career. “It was a difficult decision,” he admitted. “I faced many challenges, including financial struggles.” At one point, the family even had to pawn Baskar’s gold jewelry to fund Savitha’s participation in national tournaments.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the hurdles, Savitha’s determination shone through. In 2022, she qualified for the World Rapid Chess Championship in Kazakhstan, a feat that required substantial financial backing. With the help of her school, Velammal, she secured the funds needed for the trip and went on to win a bronze medal, becoming the youngest player in the field to medal.
However, sponsorship has been inconsistent. After receiving support for a time, it abruptly stopped, leaving the family to navigate financial difficulties. “We are currently relying on a Tamil Nadu government support scheme based on her results,” Baskar said.
Looking Ahead
As Savitha prepares for the Olympiad, her family remains steadfast in their support. “I would like to see her become a professional chess player,” Baskar stated. “We cannot stop now.”
With her family’s unwavering commitment and her own tenacity, Savitha Shri is poised to make her mark on the international chess stage. As she steps into the spotlight in Samarkand, all eyes will be on this young talent, who has already overcome so much to reach this pivotal moment in her career. The world will be watching Savitha Shri Baskar, and she is ready to shine.