Tripura’s Aradhya Das, the youngest Candidate Master chess player from the Northeast, is gearing up for the upcoming Under-11 National Chess Championship in Hyderabad. The prestigious tournament is scheduled from October 4th to 11th, and the young chess sensation is determined to make her mark.
Aradhya, who recently clinched a gold medal in the classical category at the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka, is setting her sights on another victory. The 10-year-old prodigy practices for approximately six hours every day under the guidance of her coach, Prasenjit Dutta – Tripura’s only FIDE Master chess player and a coach at the Matrix Chess Academy.
Speaking during a brief break from her practice at her home on Chittranjan Road, Aradhya shared her thoughts about the upcoming championship. “This time, the competition will be tougher. But I believe I will win the battle. I just need the blessings of the people of my state,” she said with determination.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Aradhya’s family is facing significant financial challenges. The expenses incurred from her recent trips to Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka have left the family in debt, and the upcoming trip to Hyderabad adds another burden. The travel costs alone are estimated to be around Rs 40,000, and the family is struggling to figure out how they will manage the expenses.
While the Tripura government awarded both Aradhya and fellow chess player Arshiya Das Rs 2 lakh each on National Sports Day, the funds have yet to be disbursed. The family hopes to receive the money soon, but the uncertainty surrounding their financial situation has left them anxious.
Aradhya’s parents are now making a heartfelt plea for support, urging kind-hearted individuals or organizations to come forward and help their daughter pursue her dream. Like her idol Arshiya, Aradhya aspires to become a grandmaster one day, but the financial pressure has taken a toll on her family.
“Her dream is to become a grandmaster, and we will do everything we can to help her achieve that,” said her father, Anuj Kumar Das. “But right now, we are worried about how we will even get her to Hyderabad.”
As the young chess star prepares for the next challenge in her journey, the hope for financial assistance remains. Aradhya’s dedication, talent, and determination are unquestionable, but her dream now depends on the generosity of those who recognize her potential.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
