India’s rising chess star, Shubhi Gupta, made her mark at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, clinching both the girls U-16 gold and the girls U-20 bronze medals. This young chess prodigy, a Women FIDE Master and reigning U-19 girls’ national champion, displayed exceptional prowess throughout the tournament.
In the U-16 category, Shubhi showcased her dominance, securing seven wins and two draws, earning her an impressive eight points out of a possible nine. This stellar performance propelled her to the top spot, outperforming her fellow Indian competitors, Mrittika Mallick and Yashvi Jain, who secured second and third place, respectively.
Undeterred by her success in the U-16 category, Shubhi ventured into the Open category, competing against experienced Grandmasters, International Masters, and Women Grandmasters. Her competitive spirit shone through as she secured 4.5 points, securing her a bronze medal in the U-20 girls’ division.
Reflecting on her remarkable achievements, Shubhi shared, “It was an incredible experience, competing against some of the world’s top chess players. I’m thrilled that I consistently performed well in both the U-16 and the Open category.” She further highlighted the significance of her previous triumphs, stating, “Winning the Commonwealth U-12 title and the World Cadet Championship were crucial milestones in my journey, and this latest success has boosted my confidence even further.”
Shubhi’s exceptional talent was recognized with a prize purse of Rs. 1 lakh. Her journey in chess began with the support of her father, who introduced her to the game. Since then, she has consistently delivered exceptional performances on both national and international platforms. Her previous achievements include winning the U-12 gold at the Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship and claiming the World Cadet Championship title in the same age category two years ago.
Shubhi Gupta’s performance at the Commonwealth Chess Championships is a testament to her dedication, skill, and potential. This young champion continues to inspire aspiring chess players across India and the world, proving that with hard work and dedication, dreams can be achieved.
