Chess Prodigy Vantika Agrawal Receives Arjuna Award
Noida Chess Prodigy Vantika Agrawal Receives Arjuna Award from President
Noida’s very own Vantika Agrawal, a 23-year-old chess sensation, was honored with the prestigious Arjuna award by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Vantika has made a name for herself in the world of chess with her remarkable achievements and dedication to the game.
Her journey in chess began during zero periods at school, where she discovered her passion for the game. From there, she went on to compete in various tournaments, winning accolades at state, national, and international levels. Vantika has proudly represented India and brought home medals from prestigious events such as the Asian and Commonwealth Championships, as well as the Chess Olympiad.
As a woman grandmaster (WGM) and international master (IM), Vantika has achieved significant milestones in her career. She is a three-time Chess Olympiad gold medallist, with two golds from the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest in 2024. Additionally, she has won a silver medal at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 2016 World Youth Chess Championship in the U14 girls’ category.
Vantika credits her success to the unwavering support of her chartered accountant parents, who have always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. She has also received training from renowned grandmasters such as Pravin Thipsay and Tejas Bakre, as well as other Indian and foreign players.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has commended Vantika for her outstanding achievements, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of chess. Looking towards the future, Vantika aims to break into the world’s top 10 rankings and continues to inspire budding chess players with her advice to enjoy the game and focus on hard work.
Vantika Agrawal’s dedication, talent, and passion for chess have undoubtedly made her a role model for aspiring players everywhere. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in achieving one’s dreams.