New Delhi: Aarav Dengla – India’s 93rd Grandmaster and His Journey from Passion to Pinnacle in Chess

Mumbai Teen Aarav Dengla Becomes India’s 93rd Grandmaster: A Journey of Passion and Sacrifice

NEW DELHI: “Chess is war over the board.” This famous line, often attributed to former World Champion Bobby Fischer, encapsulates the intensity of the game. For some, chess is a battlefield; for others, it’s an escape. For Aarav Dengla, India’s 93rd Grandmaster (GM), chess is a lifelong companion.

“It’s like a friend for life. You know if you have a board with you, you don’t need anybody else,” Aarav’s mother, Shipra Dengla, shared in an exclusive interview with Times of India. This “friend” has propelled the 16-year-old from Mumbai to the pinnacle of chess.

Not Just a Mother, But an Architect of a Champion

Success often demands sacrifice, and Shipra knows this all too well. “When Aarav was six and just starting in rated tournaments, he gained almost 800 rating points in four months—from 1000 to nearly 1800. That was huge,” she recalled. This remarkable leap led Aarav to win the national championship and qualify for the World Championship in Brazil. However, due to work commitments, neither parent could accompany him, prompting Shipra to make a life-altering decision.

“I chose to quit my job at Mahindra’s in marketing that same month. I knew this problem would keep coming up,” she explained. From that moment, Shipra became Aarav’s travel companion and the architect of his success. Yet, she remains humble about his achievements. “Honestly, it’s Aarav’s personal achievement more than anything,” she said, pride evident in her voice.

Foundations Laid at Home

Aarav’s journey began in Bandra’s Pali Hill, where chess was a family tradition. His grandfather, Bhavani Sharan Saxena, and maternal uncle, Ashish Saxena, were accomplished players. “My father is an extremely good chess player. I learnt from him,” Shipra recalled. At five, Aarav was introduced to the game by his grandfather, and a year later, he won his first tournament, sparking a passion that would shape his future.

His father, Manoj Dengla, a CA rank holder and Harvard Business School alumnus, sought the best coaching available, leading them to veteran Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay. Balancing academics with chess was crucial; Aarav attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School, where he could only compete during school vacations.

The First Master’s Influence

Thipsay, Aarav’s first formal coach, played a pivotal role in his development. “He was just five years old when we started training,” Thipsay recalled. “Sir would come for his walk every evening and spend an hour with Aarav.” This mentorship ignited Aarav’s love for chess, setting the stage for his future success.

A Journey to Chennai

To further his training, Aarav’s family periodically relocated to Chennai, the heart of Indian chess. “On vacations, when he wasn’t playing, he was training with Vishnu Prasanna, who is very selective with his students,” Shipra noted. Under Prasanna’s guidance, Aarav’s game deepened, and he often trained for 12-14 hours a day.

During the pandemic, Aarav trained alongside fellow prodigy D Gukesh, forming a bond that would last a lifetime. “Gukesh is a very good friend of his,” Shipra said. Aarav currently trains under Prasanna and Zaven Andriasian.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite Mumbai’s vibrant culture, the city lacks the chess infrastructure found in southern hubs. “The most challenging part in Mumbai is the training ecosystem. There are very few academies, and distances are quite a bit,” Shipra explained. Nevertheless, Aarav remains committed to pushing his limits. He maintains a rigorous fitness routine, incorporating strength training and various sports into his daily life.

At 6’2”, Aarav embodies the modern athlete as much as he does the chess prodigy. Yet, even at this pinnacle, the future remains uncertain. “Would he like to aim for becoming world champion? Or take up academics as a priority? Nobody can predict,” Shipra concluded.

As Aarav Dengla continues his journey, one thing is clear: with the unwavering support of his family and an unyielding passion for chess, the young Grandmaster is poised to make his mark on the world stage.