Mayank Chakraborty: Trailblazer as Northeast India’s First Grandmaster
Mayank Chakraborty Makes History as Northeast India’s First Grandmaster
NEW DELHI: In a groundbreaking achievement for the region, 16-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has become the first Grandmaster (GM) from Assam and Northeast India, securing his final GM norm at the 8th GM Tournament in Sweden. This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Mayank but also elevates the status of chess in a region that has long awaited such recognition.
On Saturday morning, Rajib Dhar, the general secretary of the All Assam Chess Association, was blissfully asleep, unaware that his protégé had just made history. The peaceful morning was interrupted by the excited voice of his daughter, who, clutching a chessboard, declared her ambition to follow in Mayank’s footsteps. “If Mayank Dada can do it, then I can do it too,” she told Dhar, embodying the inspiration Mayank has ignited in the younger generation.
A Journey Begins in Pandu
Mayank’s journey began in 2009 when his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, reached out to Dhar for guidance. Settled in Pandu, a small locality in Guwahati, she sought help for her restless son. “In the beginning, his tactical skills were great, but he was a bit impatient,” Dhar recalled. However, Mayank quickly honed his skills, becoming a three-time national champion across various age categories.
Recognizing Mayank’s potential, Dhar sought financial support from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) president, Nitin Narang, who generously provided ₹2.5 lakh for Mayank’s upcoming tournaments. This investment proved pivotal in Mayank’s ascent to the GM title.
The Unsung Hero: A Mother’s Dedication
Behind every successful athlete is a story of sacrifice, and for Mayank, that figure is his mother. Monomita’s commitment to her son’s chess career is nothing short of extraordinary. Dhar recalls a moment when she stepped out of surgery, blood-stained gloves and all, to ensure Mayank received essential chess materials.
In 2022, Monomita made the life-changing decision to leave her government job and travel full-time with Mayank, recognizing that her presence was crucial for his success. “Chess was the number one priority for us,” she explained, detailing the challenges they faced, including Mayank’s health issues and the financial strain of competing internationally.
A Historic Victory
For Monomita, Mayank’s victory in Sweden is not just a personal achievement but a source of regional pride. “Since 1988, when Viswanathan Anand became India’s first GM, Assam and the entire Northeast have been waiting,” she said. Mayank’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating ratings, but his determination never wavered.
In Sweden, Mayank secured his GM norm with a round to spare, a testament to his hard work and resilience. “Once you touch 2500, the rest is just a matter of months,” Monomita encouraged him during his struggles.
A Call for Support
While the GM title is a monumental achievement, the financial realities of elite chess remain daunting. The Chakraborty family has exhausted their savings, and Monomita emphasizes the need for corporate support and government assistance to continue Mayank’s journey. “Chess is very expensive and time-consuming,” she noted, highlighting the lack of infrastructure in the Northeast compared to other Indian states.
As Mayank’s story inspires a new generation of chess players in Guwahati, the Chakraborty family hopes for the support needed to nurture this talent. “If people believe in him, I will just follow him and let him continue his journey,” Monomita said, embodying the spirit of a mother who has dedicated her life to her son’s dreams.
With Mayank Chakraborty’s historic achievement, the future of chess in Northeast India shines brighter than ever, paving the way for aspiring players to dream big.