B. Savitha Shri. Remember the name. She was the surprise package India unleashed at the 24th Olympiad in Uzbekistan. In a display which shocked the chess world and even herself, the 19-year-old laid down a marker for the future, with her progress set to be followed keenly.
From being a kid who once sat across the table against Magnus Carlsen — who would soon go on to become the World champion in 2013 — to dazzling at the game’s ultimate team event, Savitha has come a long way. She won titles at the National level and on the world stage, bagging the under-12 crown in the World Cadets championship in 2018 and bronze in the World Rapid championship four years later.
Biggest achievements
She appeared to fly under the radar despite her talent and achievements. The Olympiad medals — individual and team — are probably her biggest prizes till date.
The Chennai WGM, who took the competition by storm with a gold medal on the reserve board, had picked up the game at the age of four watching her brother play.
However, it wasn’t a smooth ride initially. Her father Krishnan Baskar, who was working as an electrical technician in Singapore, initially thought chess wasn’t an expensive pursuit. He subsequently gave up his job abroad in an effort to back his daughter. “I got a chessboard for ₹500 and thought it was all that I needed to spend,” he said.
To his surprise, the expenses were more than what he could afford. When a little Savitha took to the game like a duck to water, the family couldn’t make ends meet and support the two children at the same time. Baskar said he had to ask his son, Mugesh, to give up chess and focus on academics. He has now completed his degree and begun working.
In the meantime, Savitha’s talent meant her father dived headlong into supporting her. He used to accompany her to tournaments and was delighted to watch her perform well.
At one point, the family began to feel the pinch financially. They had to pledge gold jewellery to make sure that her fledgling career didn’t hit a roadblock as funding her trips to play tournaments appeared to be beyond the means. “Savitha has become a mature person now,” Baskar said even as he waited patiently at the airport to welcome her after her exploits in Samarkand, where the Indian women’s team finished with a bronze.
He was delighted to see Savitha shine at the highest level and wished for more support. “Unmaiya sollanum na, neraya support thevai (honestly speaking, more is needed),” Baskar said, emphasising on the need for more funding to pursue chess at the top.
First-time experience
As confident as Baskar is about Savitha’s career, the teenager appears to be adapting to the new-found stardom. She didn’t seem to be weighed down by pressure despite appearing in her maiden Olympiad. “I didn’t feel it. I was part of a very supportive team… my teammates were awesome. They just told me to play my game,” she said about her undefeated run of eight victories and two draws at the global event.
She described her performance as “amazing”. “I wasn’t really expecting it. When I had four (wins) from four games, I thought I should keep pushing. As long as I score, it is better for the team,” Savitha said while assessing her display, which was instrumental in the team clinching a spot on the podium.
Savitha Shri being greeted by grandmother on her arrival at the Chennai International Airport.
| Photo Credit:
B. VELANKANNI RAJ
She won on demand and also showed that she could defend resolutely when needed. The hard-fought draws in two matches saved the team from suffering defeats and kept it in the hunt for a medal. She, however, said: “I regret not being able to win in the final round.”
Unstoppable run
Savitha was flying in the first four rounds. But, in a surprise move, she was rested for the match against Poland, which the team went on to lose.
Asked about the decision that cost India dear, she said rather matter-of-factly: “Vantika [Agrawal] had won all three matches and was also in good form. Poland is not really that strong compared to the other teams we played. It’s unfortunate that we lost. Again, I don’t think I have to blame anyone. It was the captain’s (Swayams Mishra) decision. I completely agree with it.”
All praise for her teammates — Koneru Humpy, R. Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika — the Chennai player said: “What can I say? Such a supporting team. For me, it’s my first time in the Olympiad. All of them are such senior players… Humpy, Vaishali akka. They kept motivating me to play all the rounds.” But the amiable and confident Savitha admitted that she was a bit nervous ahead of the contest against China. “I did feel it at the start of the round. But once the game started, I wasn’t thinking about that,” she said, adding that playing five-six hours every game very tiring.
Pleasant surprise
Grandmaster Mishra couldn’t conceal his delight at the newcomer’s stunning streak. He felt that the early run gave her a lot of confidence and that she built on the fantastic start. “We expected her to do well but this one was a pleasant surprise, not just for me but for herself as well. She kept on winning, especially in many clutch games where we needed her to.”
Mishra was impressed with Savitha’s ability to recover from tough positions and win. “I think we need more players like her who are always fighting for the team.”
About her special qualities, the coach said: “Her confidence is very high… When going into the fourth hour, players get tired. That is where I think she was able to be very precise and accurate in most of her games. The moment others get tired, she has the highest energy.”
High praise from the team captain indeed!
Where it started
Savitha was trained initially by the late K. Thirukkalathy, a noted coach and former State chess association office-bearer. “He taught me how to move the pieces. It all started from there. He was a very good coach,” she said, terming him as “special” and the one who showed the way.
She presently trains under reputed coach and GM R.B. Ramesh, who counts R. Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali among his wards.
What’s unique about her
Ramesh had good words to say about Savitha. “Over the board, she does the most practical things without much hesitation when most players would hesitate.” On her part, she said, “Ramesh sir helps by analysing games and offers psychological support. We work a lot on the middle and end-game”.
Savitha Shri contemplates her move at the Chess Olympiad.
| Photo Credit:
FIDE
Representing India at the Olympiad was a dream for Savitha, according to her father. She made the opportunity count when it came along as she got a look-in after the experienced D. Harika opted out.
Baskar and his family were there at the airport to receive Savitha, who arrived from Uzbekistan with a couple of her compatriots (Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali). As the wait grew longer, he kept pacing around, trying to get in touch with his daughter over the phone. When she emerged, the family seemed overjoyed, with the girl’s grandmother thrilled in the moment.
Savitha is known to raise her level when the situation demands and had shown it when she bagged crucial Elo points before the covid-19 pandemic and in 2022. Now that she has gained important points with a splendid show in Samarkand, she would be motivated to get better and improve her ranking.
She is Chennai’s new superstar in chess and will look to emerge as the next big thing in the Indian sporting firmament.
