24/1/2021 Samarth J. Rao- The Rapid Chess BlizzardThe DR Foundation launched the DRF Chess Tour for the Disabled in January 2021. Over the course of the year, six virtual tournaments would be conducted and the winners will be entitled to sessions with Grandmasters and other titled players. Overall tour winners will receive cash rewards as well as mentorship from the foundation. The first tournament was held on 19th January on the Lichess platform. 25 players participated in the event with great enthusiasm, and Samarth J Rao won convincingly. In this article, we find out more about him and his career in the game. So, let's move on to the Q/A. 1. Can you please introduce yourself? I am a physically challenged Candidate Master. I suffer from a condition known as Cerebral Palsy, which doesn't allow me to walk or stand without support. I couldn't write clearly for a long time as well. Now, I am pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. 2. What gave you the motivation to pursue the game at a competitive level? My mother is my chess guru. Observing my condition, she encouraged me to pursue indoor games so that I could play with other friends. She taught me the basics. Then, I learnt more technical knowledge about the game and how to participate in tournaments from another coach. 3. How did you practice? What was your first tournament and some memories from it? I underwent training from a variety of instructors and participated in numerous tournaments. My first coach informed me to participate in the Karnataka State U-25 Championship. I did play and secured a consolation prize, which made me more interested in pursuing chess further. Since then, my father has taken me for a number of tournaments. I have now competed in 80+ tournaments, including 2 in the USA and 5 in Europe. 4. Tell us about your most memorable achievement in chess. My most memorable achievement in chess was at the 2015 IPCA (International Physically Disabled Chess Association) World Chess Championship. Although I was rated lower, I defeated many stronger players and secured the bronze medal. This was my first victory at the World Championship level. Apart from this win, I have other fond memories from the World Junior at USA and participating in the FIDE Online Para Olympiad in 2020. 5. What piece of advice can you give to others? Play the game for your own satisfaction and don't worry too much about the result. Participate in a number of tournaments. Patience is also very crucial. Note- If you are interested in partnering or supporting the project and its cause or are a player yourself, please write to us at [email protected]. 14/1/2021 DRF Chess TourThe DR Foundation, which is the organisation heading Project Checkmate, is launching the DRF Chess Tour. Through the tour, there will be a set of six rapid virtual events for disabled players from all over India over the course of 2021. Participants will be competing for winning a training session with a titled player in each of these competitions. Points to the top ten finishers of each tournament will be awarded upon the completion of the respective event. The overall three winners based on cumulative points shall be given a one-time monetary prize along with career development mentorship from the foundation. The players can compete in any or all of the events, as the latter shall give more chances of winning the overall prizes. All players keen to participate are requested to connect with the foundation via email on [email protected] and shall be given more details about the registration process. With this tour, the DR Foundation and its Project Checkmate aim to continue to nurture the talented youth of the nation through chess and life skills development. Note- If you're interested in partnering with our organisation for the tour, please reach out to us via email. |