At just eight years old, Anaya Sharma from Hyderabad is making waves in the international chess arena. While she appears like any other child her age, her strategic mind and dedication to the 64 squares set her apart. Anaya has recently etched her name in history by becoming the first girl from Telangana to secure a gold medal in the Under-8 category at the prestigious Commonwealth Chess Championship held in Kuala Lumpur.
A Stellar Performance on the Global Stage
Representing India with remarkable poise, the Class IV student from Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, delivered an outstanding performance. Over the course of nine intense rounds, Anaya scored an impressive 8 points. She began the tournament with a stunning streak, winning her first seven consecutive games, which was the best result in her category. Despite a setback in the eighth round, she demonstrated tremendous resilience by winning the final game to clinch the top position and the gold medal.
Rigorous Training and a Champion's Dream
Anaya's success is fueled by a rigorous training regimen and unwavering support. She nurtures a clear dream: to become a world chess champion. Backed by her parents, Gaurav Sharma and Aarti Bolaki, and her school, she dedicates eight hours a day, five days a week to training under coach Amitpal Singh at the Maestro Academy. Another coach, Girinath, who also trains her, revealed that the shy yet determined girl is intensely focused on achieving the Grandmaster (GM) title at the earliest.
The Chess Journey Begins
Anaya's tryst with chess began at the tender age of five during a Kalpataru summer camp. Her mother recalls the moment her passion was ignited: "After trying different games, she didn't get up from the chess board for three hours. She was fascinated by it." Her talent quickly became evident as she started producing results at local, district, state, and national tournaments. Her father, Gaurav, stated, "Once she started producing results... we wanted her to pursue her passion as a career. The feedback of coaches and her own interest shaped our decision."
Prior to her Commonwealth triumph, Anaya had already represented India on the global stage. In July, she played in the U-8 Chess World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, after earning her spot on the Indian team through impressive performances at the National championships.
Idols and a Strategic Mind
Anaya draws inspiration from chess legends like world champion D Gukesh, the iconic Viswanathan Anand, and Divya Deshmukh. She has a particular liking for the middlegame, a phase that demands strong strategic acumen to counter an opponent's plans. Coach Girinath praised her all-round abilities, saying, "She is good in the middle part. But she is also strong in the opening and endgame as well. I am sure in the next two years, she can achieve the GM title." He further highlighted the qualities that make her exceptional: "For an eight-year-old, she has a very strong game. She is a quick learner and brilliant strategist. She has patience, grasping power, memory and is very focused, all ingredients of a top chess player."
With a gold medal already around her neck and her eyes set on the Grandmaster title, Anaya Sharma is undoubtedly a rising star from Hyderabad, poised to make India proud on the world's chessboards.
