Katni Kid Brings First International Chess Medal to State

Saurabh Dharmeshwari

Bhopal: He is just seven, a class third kid. Of late, he has pulled off an international feat in an indoor game not very popular in this belt, something no body from the state ever has. What’s more, it is the outcome of merely an eight months practice at what we call intellectuals’ gymnastics – chess. And, not to surprise, he is doing equally well in academics.

Anshuman Singh, encouraged by his parents, goaded on by his coach, took part in World Chess Championship held in Greece and finished up clenching a bronze in an Under-7 event in which some 317 contempories from as many as 31 countries participated. A score of 5 on 9 in the mega event classed him apart as an architect of historic success as no body from Madhya Pradesh has ever won international accolades in the game in any category.

“It’s a great feeling,” said the seven-year-old, shying. While Madhvi Singh, his mother, has this to say: “It was really a cloud nine sort of feeling. We didn’t expect he’d win. How could we?  You know, he took up playing the game just eight months ago. Earlier, we thought the event would give exposure to him and help when he takes part next time.”

It was from his school that the boy inculcated the hobby. He has played the game 3-4 hours a day since. “We encouraged him from the start,” Mrs Singh adds.

This little boy, a student of Syna International School, Katni, has really done his school proud which, moved with his expertise at the play in such a little age, sponsored his tour to Greece for taking part in the Championship. Partially, his parents bore the expenses for their ward’s participation in the event organized jointly by International Chess Championship and Greece Chess Federation in Thessalonica.

The idea of taking part in the mega event was actually his coach, Nikhilesh Jain’s, informed a triumphant mother. “He told us about the championship and suggested Anshuman took part in it,” she said.

“As many as 8 kids of Syna International School participated in the event,” said Jain, himself renowned name in the field. Jain believed that Anshuman received bronze in a situation when he had tie-up with six others merely due to his excellent planning, his sharpness, deftness at tricks of the game. It was his better rating over others that qualified him for the medal.

Jain, Mrs Nirmala Pathak, a social worker, Mrs Nidhi Pathak, chairperson Syna School and Captain Salil Ray, principal, are proud of the chap who has done us proud, the state and the country.  

“No, his attachment to chess has not affected his studies,” answered Mrs Singh when asked. “In fact, he is doing admirably well at studies, too. He finished his homework in time and has stood first in sessional in his section.”

Let’s hope more success comes his way.