From Childhood Dreams to Grandmaster Glory: Mayank Chakraborty’s Inspiring Chess Journey
Bengaluru: From Childhood Dreams to Grandmaster Glory – Mayank Chakraborty Makes History
In a remarkable journey that began in the bustling corridors of Tolaram Bafna Hospital in Guwahati, 16-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has etched his name in the annals of chess history. This past weekend, he became India’s 94th Grandmaster and the first from North East India, achieving this prestigious title at the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Young Talents tournament.
Mayank’s story is one of perseverance and passion, ignited at the tender age of six when his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, a dedicated gynaecologist, had no choice but to bring him to work. While she attended to patients, a fellow doctor recognized Mayank’s potential and suggested he take up chess. Though initially hesitant, Monomita enrolled him in a local chess club. However, after a disappointing first tournament, Mayank briefly turned his attention to badminton, inspired by the success of PV Sindhu during the 2016 Olympics.
“Mayank was a plump boy,” Monomita recalls, “and the coach felt he needed to get physically fit first.” After enduring grueling training sessions that left him disheartened, Mayank returned to chess, this time with renewed vigor.
Fast forward to Stockholm, where Mayank clinched his final Grandmaster norm with an impressive performance rating of 2670, achieving a live rating of 2508 Elo. “It was Mayank’s goal to become the first GM from the Northeast. The motivation was greater because the purpose was larger,” Monomita shared with HT from Sweden.
Mayank’s journey has not been without its challenges. With a lack of a robust chess ecosystem in the North East, the Chakraborty family often had to finance training sessions with players from other regions. They hosted renowned Grandmasters for individual camps, navigating the logistical hurdles of travel and accommodation. “I preferred to have GMs from neighbouring states over because it made things easier,” Monomita joked, highlighting the unique challenges they faced.
Despite the financial strain, including liquidating fixed deposits to support Mayank’s chess ambitions, the family has received support from generous individuals and organizations, including Viswanathan Anand’s WACA, which facilitated training sessions with Boris Gelfand.
Mayank’s tenacity and growth as a player have not gone unnoticed. GM Swayams Mishra remarked on his evolution, stating, “He trusts himself a lot more now. His killer instinct is terrific, and he can go a long way if he holds on to his strengths.”
As the Chakraborty family celebrates this monumental achievement, they remain hopeful that Mayank’s Grandmaster title will attract the attention and sponsorship needed to further nurture chess talent in the region. For Monomita, the journey has been a labor of love, filled with sacrifices and unwavering support for her son’s dreams.
With his sights set on even greater heights, Mayank Chakraborty is not just a champion; he is a beacon of hope for aspiring chess players in North East India, proving that with determination and support, dreams can indeed become a reality.