“Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: 64 Squares Initiative Elevating Women’s Chess in India”
Title: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Initiative Boosts Women’s Chess in India
In a groundbreaking move to elevate the stature of women’s chess in India, the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar initiative has announced a fellowship grant worth Rs 1 crore to support five exceptional chess players. The initiative, a joint effort by Hyderabad-based Pravaha Foundation and Chess Startup, MGD1, aims to identify and nurture promising talent in the field of chess.
Among the recipients of the grant are IM Vantika Agrawal, WFM Shubhi Gupta, WFM Charvi Anilkumar, WIM Sarayu Velpula, and WIM Sahithi Varshini. These talented players will receive support for their training, tournament participation, and exposure expenses for a year, with the ultimate goal of helping them achieve their full potential in the sport.
One of the early beneficiaries of the initiative, Arjuna Awardee Vantika Agrawal, has already made significant strides in her chess career. Since receiving support in 2023, Vantika has earned the title of International Master and has brought home multiple accolades for India, including team and individual golds at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
The impact of the Pravaha Foundation and MGD1’s support through the 64 Squares initiative is evident in the success of rising stars like Sarayu Velpula and Sahithi Varshini. These young players have shown remarkable progress and have already made a mark on the international stage, contributing to India’s success at prestigious events like the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Chess Olympiad.
Vinoda Kailas, Director and Trustee of Pravaha Foundation, emphasized the importance of addressing the gender gap in chess and expressed commitment to supporting more Indian women on their journey to becoming Grandmasters. Sreekar Channapragada, co-founder of MGD1, highlighted the challenges faced by talented players in pursuing their Grandmaster dreams and underscored the need for increased funding opportunities and support.
The 2025 cohort of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar initiative represents a significant step towards empowering women in Indian chess and reshaping the future of the sport. With dedicated partners like Pravaha Foundation and MGD1, these talented players are poised to make a lasting impact on the chess world and inspire future generations of female chess players in India.