Savitha Shri: From Humble Beginnings to India’s Chess Olympiad Team Star

Savitha Shri: From Humble Beginnings to the Chess Olympiad

Chennai, India – Nineteen-year-old Savitha Shri’s ascent to the Indian Chess Olympiad team is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering passion. Set to represent India in the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Savitha’s journey is anything but ordinary. She steps into the spotlight, replacing Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli, and carries with her the hopes of a nation.

A Family Affair

Savitha’s love for chess ignited as she watched her elder brother, Mugesh, compete. “We encouraged our son to play chess first,” said her father, Baskar. “Savitha was always observing, and soon, she wanted to play too.” By the age of six, both siblings were training under renowned coaches RB Ramesh and Aarthie Ramaswamy, attending free group sessions that laid the foundation for their chess careers.

However, supporting two budding chess players proved financially daunting. “We couldn’t manage two chess careers,” Baskar recalled. “I chose to help Savitha continue her journey.” Mugesh stepped back from competitive chess, allowing Savitha to pursue her dreams.

A Father’s Sacrifice

As Savitha’s talent blossomed, Baskar made a life-altering decision: he quit his job as an electrician in Singapore to support her full-time. “It was a difficult choice,” he admitted, but the family soon faced new financial challenges. At one point, they even pawned Baskar’s gold jewelry to pay for Savitha’s entry fee to a national tournament.

Despite limited support from relatives, Baskar remained steadfast. “In Savitha’s childhood, our family members weren’t encouraging us to continue with chess,” he said. Yet, he believed in the sport’s potential. “Cricket requires teamwork; chess is about individual talent.”

The Breakthrough Moment

Savitha’s breakthrough came in 2022-23 when she qualified for the World Rapid Chess Championship in Kazakhstan. The trip cost nearly ₹3 lakh, a sum the family couldn’t afford. Fortunately, her school, Velammal, stepped in to fund the journey. Savitha rewarded their faith by winning a bronze medal, becoming the youngest player to finish on the podium.

Corporate sponsorship briefly alleviated their financial struggles, but support ended abruptly, leaving the family in a lurch. “I don’t know why they stopped it suddenly,” Baskar said, highlighting the uncertainty that often plagues young athletes.

Looking Ahead to Samarkand

Despite the challenges, Savitha’s future shines bright. In April 2026, she qualified for financial assistance under a Tamil Nadu government scheme, providing much-needed relief. “That’s the only sponsorship we have right now,” Baskar noted, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to balance finances with Savitha’s aspirations.

As Savitha prepares for the Chess Olympiad, her family of six—parents, brother, and grandparents—stands united in support. “I would like to see her become a professional chess player,” Baskar said. “We cannot stop it now.”

From learning the game by watching her brother to stepping into the shoes of one of India’s most decorated players, Savitha Shri is poised to make her mark on the world stage. As she heads to Samarkand, the chess community and her family eagerly await the next chapter in her inspiring journey.