Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 16: “I do not take ice creams or chocolates,” were Saina Salonika’s first words when asked over the telephone as to how she would celebrate her three gold medal-winning feat in the ASEAN Chess Championships at Singapore which concluded Tuesday. She was having dinner with her father Ganeswar Jena at the time of the call and unlike any under-12 kid, Saina is not ready to flow in the ebb of celebrations. She stated that she would rather celebrate her feat only when she returns home here Wednesday.
“I know that my responsibilities have increased. I have to maintain this consistency and improve further,” stated the former under-10 World Champion. For the records, Saina won the individual gold in the Blitz format with nine points and she did not lose a single match. She was also a part of the three-member under-12 team which won gold medals in the Rapid and Standard format.
Saina, however, stated that she was happy with her performances during the event. “I tried to give my best and thankfully everything worked in my favour. But I wish, I could have done better in the Rapid and Standard format also,” stated Saina.
Her father informed that it was indeed a very tough competition with 459 participants from 16 countries taking part in the meet. “Playing three formats simultaneously can be very tiring, I know that,” stated Ganeswar. “But Saina stood up to the rigours of the tournament very well. She was consistent throughout,” stated Ganeswar.
Other than winning the under-10 World Championships, Saina had earlier won six medals while participating in the World Youth Chess Championships, Commonwealth Chess Championships and Asian Chess meet.
The pint-sized champion player, however, stated that she wouldn’t have been able to participate in the Singapore meet without the sponsorship of MCL and KIIT. She also thanked all her coaches.
