R Vaishali Returns to Chennai as World Championship Challenger: “Living the Dream” but Hungry for More Achievements
R Vaishali Returns to Chennai as World Championship Challenger: A Dream Realized, Yet More to Achieve
CHENNAI: In the early hours of Sunday, R Vaishali touched down in Chennai, her heart still racing from the monumental achievement of becoming the new World Championship Challenger. At just 24, the young chess prodigy is “living the dream,” yet she remains grounded, acknowledging that her journey is far from over.
Speaking exclusively to Times of India, Vaishali expressed her determination to reach even greater heights. “It feels nice living my dream, and I’m slowly processing what has happened. This was one of my dreams, but I still don’t think I have become one of the greatest women chess players from India. It’s a long way to go,” she said, citing the inspiring careers of Indian chess legends Koneru Humpy and D Harika, who have both excelled at the highest levels of the game.
Vaishali’s rise comes at a time when Indian women’s chess is flourishing. “I hope many girls will get inspired and take up chess professionally,” she remarked, highlighting recent successes in the sport, including Humpy’s World Rapid Championship win and Divya Deshmukh’s triumph at the World Cup. “It’s nice that we are winning tournaments, and I just hope many girls will take it up.”
Interestingly, it was a step away from the chessboard that paved the way for her success. After a challenging year filled with setbacks, Vaishali entered the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament with little preparation but emerged victorious, securing her spot in the Candidates Tournament. “It was very tough. I felt like I was working hard, but the results were not showing,” she admitted.
Mental health, she emphasized, is crucial in a sport as demanding as chess. “I’ve been working with a psychologist for the last 7-8 months. Initially, I didn’t know what to do, but thanks to my family and coach RB Ramesh, I regained my confidence,” she shared.
Her brother, R Praggnanandhaa, also played a vital role in her journey. Despite facing his own challenges in the Candidates, he remained a source of motivation. “He knows me better than anybody else. When I walked out after my win, I couldn’t control my emotions anymore,” Vaishali recalled, her eyes lighting up at the memory.
Vaishali’s coach, Ramesh, who traveled over 20 hours to surprise her in Cyprus just before the award ceremony, has become more than just a mentor. “It’s more than a trainer-student relationship. They’ve guided us in every way,” she said, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support she has received.
As she prepares for the next chapter in her chess career, Vaishali is ready to take a short break before diving back into training. “This is one dream for him as well,” she said of Ramesh, reflecting on their shared journey.
With her sights set on the future, R Vaishali is not just a challenger; she is a beacon of hope for aspiring female chess players across India, proving that with determination and support, dreams can indeed become reality.