With the exponential surge in Indian chess, numerous grandmasters have garnered attention and immense recognition for the game. Renowned players such as Viswanathan Anand have served as inspirations for many, motivating them to delve into chess and harbor aspirations of becoming world chess champions, emulating the legend himself.
Chess stands widely acknowledged as a game that fosters educational and cognitive development. In alignment with this, a budding talent from Apeejay School, Nerul, has emerged, actively participating in numerous competitions and securing accolades along the way. At an inter-school chess competition. this student was ranked No 1 in three out of four matches ensuring that the school ranked No 1.
In a candid interview, Atharv Rege studying in class VI shares insights into strategies that can pave the way to becoming a champion.
Tell us about yourself.
I am very enthusiastic and love to explore things. I love robotics and chess. I began my chess journey about a year back and have participated in numerous local tournaments where I achieved success by winning several medals and trophies.
What are your recent achievements?
I was selected for the inter-school tournament listed Under-14 category where there were in total of 10 schools. Throughout the tournament, consisting of a total of four matches, I contributed by winning three of them helping Apeejay School, Nerul secure the first position in the chess tournament.
What inspired you to get into chess?
When I was seven years old, I used to watch videos of Viswanathan Anand playing. I would closely watch his moves and the strategy he used. That was the time I started to develop an interest in chess and got inspired. He is my role model.
What is your training regimen?
During school days, I dedicate time to finishing my homework. After that, I spend two hours in solving chess puzzles and playing chess-related games. I perform this activity daily as it helps me to get a better understanding of strategies; this helps me improve my game and gain theoretical knowledge. This strikes a balance between different aspects of chess.
Do you follow any mental strategies to win the match?
There is no defined mental strategy. I try to calm myself and remain as focused as possible. While playing chess, it is very important to keep your mind stable and not get diverted. For me, winning is less important than participation. For the same, I give my best and try to win against the competition.
Is this your hobby or are you planning to make this a profession?
As of now, chess is my hobby. If given the chance, I may try to build a career in chess as I love playing it. But, I am more interested in other activities related to robotics and science. It is too early to predict where and what I will do.
One of the most memorable days of your chess journey.
In the initial days when I started playing chess, I used to play without any proper coach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got the chance to expand my vision by seeking online classes and learning from professionals. I utilised the time to heighten my vision for chess, programming, and robotics. Loved those days when I would play online and take coaching from one of the best coaching classes in Maharashtra.
Any challenges that you faced and overcame in your chess journey?
In the initial stages, I often made silly errors, leading to losses even when victory seemed within my reach. With practice, I have made significant progress and honed my skills. Now, I find it easier to convert games into wins, having rectified those early mistakes.