Harika Dronavalli’s Surprising Omission from India’s Chess Olympiad Squad as Savitha Shri Steps Up to Shine in Samarkand

Savitha Shri Steps into the Spotlight as Harika Dronavalli Bows Out of Chess Olympiad

NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s chess team made history just two years ago, clinching gold at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. This year, as the nation gears up for the 2026 edition in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a surprising twist has emerged: Harika Dronavalli, one of the team’s star players, has opted out of the competition.

In an exclusive interview with Times of India, Harika confirmed her decision, stating, “I have achieved what I wanted from the team event—a gold medal. My focus now will shift to individual tournaments.” This leaves a significant gap in the team, which has now welcomed 19-year-old Savitha Shri from Chennai as Harika’s replacement.

Savitha, who previously contributed to the Indian women’s silver medal win at the 2022 Asian Games alongside chess luminaries like Koneru Humpy and Harika, is eager to make her mark. “She’s so happy to participate. Her main ambition is to be part of the event,” her father, Baskar, shared during an exclusive interaction.

A Family Legacy

Savitha’s journey into the world of chess began not with her own ambitions but through her older brother, Mugesh. “We encouraged our son to play chess first,” Baskar explained. As Mugesh honed his skills, Savitha found herself captivated, often watching him play. By the age of six, both siblings were training under renowned chess coach RB Ramesh.

However, as the family faced the financial strains of supporting two chess careers, a pivotal decision was made. “We couldn’t manage two chess careers; I couldn’t take the risk of splitting our support,” Baskar said. Mugesh stepped back, allowing Savitha to pursue her passion.

Sacrifices and Triumphs

Baskar’s commitment to Savitha’s chess career led him to make a life-altering decision: he quit his job as an electrician in Singapore to return to India and support her. “Taking that decision was very difficult,” he admitted. The family faced numerous challenges, including financial hardships that forced them to pawn Baskar’s gold jewelry to fund tournaments.

Despite the obstacles, Savitha’s talent shone through. In 2022, she qualified for the World Rapid Chess Championship in Kazakhstan, where she won a bronze medal, becoming the youngest player in the field to medal. Yet, sponsorship has been inconsistent, with support fluctuating over the years. Recently, Savitha qualified for a Tamil Nadu government financial support scheme, providing some relief.

Looking Ahead

As Savitha prepares for the Chess Olympiad, her family remains steadfast in their support. “I would like to see her become a professional chess player,” Baskar stated. The family’s journey, marked by sacrifices and determination, has forged a strong bond centered around Savitha’s chess aspirations.

With the world watching, Savitha Shri is ready to step into the spotlight, carrying the hopes of her family and the nation as she competes in Samarkand. Whatever the outcome, her story is one of resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of chess.