State chess champion Rakesh Kumar Nayak is being talked about as one of the most promising players to emerge in recent times. The talented player, however, till date, has been participating in tournaments sparingly. However whenever he has played in an event, he has made his presence felt. Currently focusing on studies, Rakesh wants to pursue a career in chess once he is through with academics. The latest protégé to emerge from Orissa, opens up to Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra. Excerpts…
How many rating points did you get in your last tournament?
I won the title at the Berhampur State-level Chess Championships in January and got 23 ELO rating points.
What is your current rating and norm?
My current rating is 2172 points. I don’t have any norms as I rarely play in competitive tournaments because of my studies. Once that is over, I will pursue chess in a very serious manner. At present, I am concentrating on my plus-2 exams.
Your next target?
My next target is to do well in the upcoming World Junior Chess Championships at KIIT in August, this year. I am also eying the Asiad Chess Championships in New Delhi, the dates of which are yet to be finalised.
Are you undertaking any special preparations for those events?
As of now, no, because I am concentrating on studies. Once the plus-2 exams are over, I will start training.
Who is your coach now?
I don’t have one. I play with my elder brother Rajesh Kumar Nayak, who is a very good player and doubles up as my coach as well. I also read a lot of chess books.
Did you expect to win the title at Berhampur?
Well, there is a story behind it. Prior to the tournament, my family was passing through a financial crisis. It had become difficult for me to even pay my tuition fees. As it was a prize money tournament, I decided to play with the hope of winning it so that I could pay my fees. Luckily everything fell into place for me.
Has it been difficult for you to pursue chess and studies?
Studies are my first priority, I play chess when there is spare time. That is why I target tournaments of short duration.
You don’t have norms right now and without it, you must be facing difficulties in playing in good tournaments?
My current rating is good enough to play in open category tournaments. There are many players who do not have norms but have done pretty well. Garry Kasparov’s trainer Alexander Nikitin was a prime example of that. To get norms, I have to play in more tournaments. In future, I hope to get those.
Are you happy with the opportunities available in Orissa?
No, I am not. Look, I am a state champion and most people don’t even know that I am a chess player. In states like Tamil Nadu, the state government gives a lot of exposure to the chess players. They are given free coaching and jobs.
Any help you need?
I need a good personal coach now. The coaching camps organised by state associations are not enough. I also need a few sponsors, so that I don’t have to worry about the monetary aspect. Then I can fully concentrate on chess.
Your long-term goal?
Like any other chess player, I wish to become a Grandmaster one day. I also have this desire to help upcoming chess players in future.
You said earlier that you are spiritual. Does that help you in chess?
Yes, I meditate a lot and that helps me to increase my focus and concentration in chess and studies.
Favourites
Orissa chess player Debashis Das
All time favourite Magnus Carlsen
Sportsperson Cristano Ronaldo
Dish Palak Paneer
Colour Blue
Movie Chak de India
Actor Shah Rukh Khan
Actress Deepika Padukone
Favourite book Two States