Agartala, Nov 9: Tripura’s rising chess star, Arshia Das, has etched her name in golden letters by winning the Under-15 girls’ title at the National Sub-Junior Chess Championship held in Ghaziabad. The young prodigy clinched the national crown with an exceptional performance — securing the championship with one round still remaining, a feat that speaks volumes about her dominance on the board.
Revisiting a historic parallel
Three decades ago, FIDE Master Prasenjit Dutta had achieved a similar milestone when he triumphed at the National Sub-Junior Chess Championship in Nagpur. Now, thirty years later, his student Arshia has recreated that moment of glory, underlining the continuity of excellence and mentorship in Tripura’s chess legacy.
Unstoppable run to the top
Arshia finished the tournament with 9.5 points out of a possible 10, an outstanding performance that sealed her championship before the final round. Despite suffering a rare loss in the concluding round on Monday, her title had already been confirmed.
In the 10th round on Sunday, the Class VIII student of Holy Cross School, Agartala, outplayed Woman Candidate Master Akshaya Sathi of Karnataka, showcasing composure and precision that belied her age. Speaking to reporters over the phone after the match, Arshia expressed her desire to remain unbeaten throughout the championship — a reflection of her competitive spirit and maturity.
Waves of pride across Tripura
Her emphatic victory has sparked widespread celebrations among chess enthusiasts in Tripura. Social media platforms were soon flooded with congratulatory messages, and chess clubs across the state hailed her achievement as a milestone moment for Tripura’s sporting community.
The Tripura Chess Association (TCA) joined in the celebration, extending heartfelt congratulations to the new national champion. Association President Abhijit Maulik described Arshia’s success as a turning point for chess in Tripura.
“Her victory has reignited the long-cherished dream of seeing a Grandmaster from our state. Arshia’s rise proves that the dream is no longer distant,” Maulik said.
Recognition and optimism
The TCA has already begun preparing for a grand felicitation ceremony to honour Arshia’s historic achievement. Association Secretary Mithu Debnath lauded her consistency and dedication, saying, “Arshia has elevated Tripura’s chess to a new level. With her determination, we believe she will achieve the Grandmaster title within the next one or two years.”
From Malaysia, her mentor FM Prasenjit Dutta expressed immense pride in his student’s accomplishment. “Arshia’s victory is a reflection of her hard work and focus. I urge her to stay grounded and continue the same momentum in international arenas,” he said.
Pathway to global representation
With this victory, Arshia has not only claimed national glory but also earned the right to represent India in several prestigious international tournaments — including the World Chess Championship, Asian Championship, Commonwealth Chess Championship, and the Under-16 Chess Olympiad. These events will bring her a step closer to realizing her ultimate dream — becoming a Grandmaster.
