At seven, when Akanksha Hagawane was given a chance, she could have picked up any sport. But her eyes were set at the game of 64 squares. Chess has always been her passion. And being committed to any sport is the quality that she picks up from her father, Srikanth. Presently, the 16-year-old is taking the chess circuit by a storm. In the recently concluded Commonwealth Championship in Sri Lanka, the chess star bagged a gold in the Under-16 event. Sportskeeda caught up with Akanksha to know more about her love for the game.
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Q: You took the centre stage after a long time? How was the Commonwealth Championship for you?
A: Yes. I was off the international circuit due my board exams. Now I am back with a bang. I managed to win a medal on my very first appearance. The Championship has been an eye opener for me as now I can firmly believe that I can take up chess professionally. Out of 9 games, I won and drew 4, and lost a single match. The icing on the cake during the Championship was in the fourth round when I held the top seed and GM Abhijeet Gupta to a draw with black pieces.
Q: Chess happened to you by fluke?
A: I guess so. I was almost seven when my brothers and I were just lazing around in the house during our summer vacation. That’s when my father got out his antique chess board and taught us the game. That was the best thing which has ever happened to me. During my early school days, I was exposed to a lot of sports, but I felt I had a connection with chess.
Q: Any openings that you favour?
A: I quite like the French opening. I think it is the most powerful openings of all. And most of all, it has always been lucky for me.
Q: How has the game benefited you?
A: It helps me concentrate in my studies. I can easily remember all the answers which I why I passed Standard X with flying colours. Also, it helped me loosen up a bit. As a child, I was a stubborn kid, the game made me realise certain values in life which calmed me down.
Q: Who do you look up to as a player?
A: It has always been the Norway’s World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen. He makes the game look so easy. Magnus is never afraid of change which is why he keeping trying new things when it comes to chess.
Q: Any game, event or title that is really close to your heart?
A: In today’s world the competition is fierce. Each day there are new and talented player mushrooming. I failed to believe in myself until I won the Under-13 National Championship in 2013. I was an underdog in the championship. Overcoming all the good players to win the title, reinstated my faith. It was then that I understood everything is possible. That game and title changed my life.
Q: Who is your driving force?
A: My father, who also happens to be a National level boxer. He asked me to follow my dreams and never give up. Also, my coach Jayant Gokhale. He has immense faith in me.
Q: What’s next on your plate?
A: For the next couple of days, I will be practicing rigorously for the World Youth Championship which will be held in Russia from September 20.
