Agartala: Tripura’s chess prodigy, Arshia Das, has once again scripted history by becoming Northeast India’s first female FIDE Master. The young chess sensation, who has been making waves in the chess world, is now only a few steps away from achieving the prestigious International Master (IM) title.
Arshia is the second chess player from Tripura to earn the FIDE Master (FM) title, following in the footsteps of veteran chess player Prasanjit Datta, who also happens to be her mentor.
Trained at the Matrix Chess Academy, her latest achievement adds another dazzling milestone to her already remarkable journey.
A Rapid Ascent in the Chess World
Currently an eighth-grader at Holy Cross School in Agartala, Arshia recently demonstrated her prowess at a tournament in France, where she boosted her rating to an impressive 2116.
Sources indicate that she is poised to gain another 54 rating points soon.
If this happens, she will need just 30 more points and three International Master norms to secure the IM title—a feat that would make her Tripura’s first-ever International Master.
The chess community believes that given her meteoric rise, Arshia could achieve this milestone within the next year.
However, the journey ahead is not without its challenges.
A Race Against Financial Hurdles
Despite her remarkable achievements, Arshia faces a significant financial hurdle. Competing in high-level Grandmaster tournaments, a crucial requirement for attaining the IM and Grandmaster (GM) titles, demands substantial funding.
Her parents, who have been supporting her dream with unwavering dedication, are now struggling to secure the financial resources needed for her next big tournaments.
The road ahead is filled with opportunities, but without institutional backing, her progress could be stalled.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
Arshia’s next big step begins on March 26, when she will train alongside India’s brightest chess talents at a special camp in Chennai, under the guidance of renowned Grandmasters from around the world.
She also has her sights set on two critical tournaments:
- Asian Continental Chess Championship in the UAE
- Grandmaster event in Sharjah
These events will be instrumental in helping her secure her IM norms and push her closer to the Grandmaster title.
However, the question of financial backing remains unanswered.
A Plea for Support
Acknowledging the support she has received so far, Arshia now makes a heartfelt appeal to institutions and sponsors:
“I need institutions to step forward and help turn my dream into reality.”
From Delhi, her coach Prasanjit Datta expressed his immense pride over a phone call, congratulating his star pupil and wishing her even greater success.
With talent, determination, and the right support, Arshia Das could soon attain yet another historic milestone for the state, opined chess lovers of the State.
