Avik Roy
Some of them, at times, have to stand to make their next moves. But then one can’t blame them. They are kids who have not grown in height. But their passion for chess helps them overcome all obstacles.
The recently-concluded KIIT International Chess Festival in Bhubaneswar saw a large number of chess ‘toddlers’ (intentionally used as they compete with the real bigwigs) in action. One couldn’t but admire them. Impish, sheepish, serious, playful and sad – they were all — during the course of the tournament. In fact they gave the event a different hue altogether.
Manish Kumar, who finished first among the Orissa players in the Premium category, while narrating his experiences at KIIT said the ‘feeling was different from everything’. He was joint sixth till the eighth round but two consecutive wins helped him finish joint third and he was the proud recipient of `4,000.
Manish himself was the first to admit that he didn’t start well. “I lost a few matches because of silly mistakes. But I am happy that I won my last two games,” stated the youngster.
A fourth standard student of DAV Public School, Chandrasekharpur, Manish stated that his parents do not pressurise him for success. “They always support me and even when I lose they encourage me. Whatever I have achieved is because of their guidance,” said the nine-year-old boy.
The result Manish achieved was unexpected for his father Biswajit Pradhan. The dotting dad, however, pointed out that he is very optimistic about Manish’s future in chess. “Till now, I am happy with what Manish has done. I never thought he will finish first among Oriya players in the Premium category. But I am happy to see him make a mark. I must say, Manish’s love and passion for the game has helped him improve rapidly. I am sure he will go a long way in chess,” said Biswajit, who is a businessman by profession.
One must fall in love after watching Aria Routray, who finished joint fifth. The bubbly girl, faced 10 tough opponents, and yet ended with six points in her kitty among which were a couple of wins.
“I am very happy,” she said with a sweet smile, which was so pure and innocent that it could light up a thousand hearts. “Some of the competitors were tough, but I never lost confidence and fought hard,” added Aria.
Her mother, Tanaya, is a doctor who can’t really give time to Aria because of her profession. Emotions choked her completely when she saw her daughter go up on stage to receive the prize money.
“Due to my profession, I don’t have enough time to look after Aria’s chess needs. But what she achieved has made very proud indeed,” said the dotting mother.
Then there were the ‘talented twins’ Sriyansh and Priyansh. Even though, they failed to live up to their reputations, they
managed to script a few wins.
“Last time, it was different… I was nervous and couldn’t perform well. But this time, I enjoyed the event. Next time, I will come better prepared,” stated Sriyansh Das, who is a minute older than his brother Priyansh.
Then there was Aryan Mohapatra, who competed at KIIT for the second time. He did not fare well as school exams hindered his preparations which finished only a couple of days before the tournament.
“I tried hard but failed to do well. But I have not lost hope. I am determined to do well the next time around,” said the nine-year-old Aryan.
But then these are only a few among the thousands determined to emulate Orissa’s first GM Debashis Das. Kids with wise heads on very young shoulders.
