K. Jenitha Anto is a 'Wonder Woman'. She is the only Indian to have won six World titles by securing the top spot at the 2019 IPCA World Individual Championships in the female category in Slovakia. The 32 year old was diagnosed with polio at the age of three and started competing in chess when she was ten years old. To her, chess was something that gave her a 'Will of Steel' (referred from the book of the same name that the champion was given to read by her father) as she was encouraged by her supportive father to take up the mind sport seriously. Her father runs the Chess Federation for the physically disabled in Tiruchy, where Jennitha comes from. The bright lady is also a graduate holder of a Bachelor of Commerce degree as she had aspired to become a Chartered Accountant after completing her high school education. Coming to the 2019 edition of the IPCA Championships, Anto dominated the field by scoring 5 points out of a possible nine. Overall, she finished 19th in the combined men's and women's section. Anto has reigned in this event for four consecutive years from 2013-2017 but had to settle for a bronze in last year's edition. However, she reclaimed her former glory by securing the top spot in 2019's championship. Anto had also won four medals in the Asian Para Olympic Games in 2018 in Jakarta and is clearly a massive inspiration for all. Despite her physical disabilities, she is able to show her determination in playing for over three hours for a single match. She has conquered many territories, and it is only to be seen where she heads off to next. We wish her the best in her future endeavours. Note: If you are interested in being featured on our blog or know someone who can be, please do send a shout out to [email protected]. Comments are closed.
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