‘My focus is to become the next grandmaster’

All our dreams can come true, if we dare to pursue them – is a quote that resonated with this young boy since forever now. Meet Ishaan Parikshit Sawant who has aced the game of chess like a pro and bought several laurels for himself. The class III student at Apeejay School, Kharghar won the first prize in the U-8 R Mall Chess Tournament. He also won several accolades in the U-9 league at Thane and Kalyan Chess Championships.

“There were six rounds each in the dual sessions during the match. I recall it got a bit tough in between where I had to quickly think about my moves and tackle my opponent,” shared the nine-year-old.

Ishan’s voyage with chess began during the lockdown. “When the entire world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to do something worthwhile. My parents would often play a game or two of chess with each other and these moments became a fraction of awakening in me when I realised my latent inclination for the game,” expressed Ishaan.

“I believe in using logic when I am engrossed in the game. Though playing national or international chess seems like a far-fetched dream, I will hold onto it and keep aspiring,” said Ishaan.

Chess as a sport is well-known to foster a range of skills and traits that contribute to personal growth and a well-rounded personality. “I have learnt to bear the maximum amount of tension now. Be it exam tension or any other life problem, I have cracked the code to let it pass with ease, and I owe this mastery to chess,” explained the achiever.

“I devote every weekend to chess without any hesitation. My normal weekday routine involves coming back from school and practicing the game for an hour without a miss. I enjoy playing the game with my elder brother or online. All of us have the same amount of 24 hours in a day and I believe when you are passionate about something, you will find ways to commit. That something is ‘chess’ for me,” Ishaan shared.

“My school has continuously supported and motivated me to pursue this game and never give up. Be it my class teacher or my sports teacher, they have all been my pillars of persistence to keep walking this path of winning. I even received a grand recognition during the Sports Day held at the school recently, Ishaan concluded joyfully.