When you see a woman who looks as strikingly pretty as this one, you’re thinking more ‘starlet’ than ‘sportstar’. In fact, one of the last thoughts that will flash across your mind would be ‘Woman Grandmaster’ (WGM). That’s until you meet Tania Sachdev, an award-winning chess wiz who has represented India on many international platforms.
Possibly voted the “hottie” of the international chess world by all the chess players she has crossed pieces with, Tania walks the ramp when she is not playing chess and is now a dab hand at live chess commentary. She is also an Arjuna Award recipient with a current Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) rating of 2370. With the motto, “No Guts, No Glory,” Tania is one of those rare people whose mind is as sharp as her looks.
Tania’s tiara is donned with many laurels, but she knows how to carry it with modesty and a pleasant smile. “I was told that you are waiting for me,” she says in a pleasant voice as we begin to chat. Excerpts:
An Accidental Start
So how did chess happen? It was gifted to her on a platter. Though it’s debatable, it’s possible that the person who gifted her a chess board wouldn’t have suspected that the gift would lay the foundation stone for a new chess icon. “I used to spend hours playing chess and used to enjoy the challenges that the game provides. Soon, my parents realised that I was made for this,” she says, keeping her smile intact.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Tania was blessed with a family that knew the importance of sports. Having a mother who was a state-level athlete, Tania had no problem crossing the first conventional barrier that comes up when an Indian student wants to pursue anything other than Engineering — convincing her parents. Tania’s mother’s encouragement made her the most important person in Tania’s life, and in turn, she made her mother proud. “Sports is something that develops one’s personality. It is as essential as academics. I was sure, Tania will do wonders,” says Anju Sachdev, Tania’s mother.
First Square Off
No one can forget their first game. But, in Tania’s case, even the opponent would remember who he or she was playing against. “I have no memory of my first game but I do remember my first tournament in which I lost all my games and scored 0/7. But I remember that instead of being disheartened by it, I was even more determined to get better. I was very competitive even then,” Tania says.
Living Life in Technicolour
“Chess and training has been the most important thing in my life. There were days when training was tough and all I wanted was to be in bed but one has to push and work hard even on those days. I don’t think there is any other way to achieve your dreams. When I take a break I do enjoy doing normal everyday things like going for a movie or going out for a meal. I have always liked trying new things and new challenges but playing has always been the constant in my life,” she tells us seriously. And we believe her. Here’s why: The Asian Chess Championship in 2008 was a game-changer in her life. Not only because she racked up 6.5 points out of nine rounds to top the game, but also because she kept the tricolour up on the points board. “I don’t know what it was. Maybe it was a sense of responsibility or pride. I just wanted to dedicate my life to chess and bring glory to my country,” the chess player admits.
Vish-ful Thinking
Tania is one of the thousands of Indian chess players who respects Anand as a player and a person and is immensely happy to have shared a platform with him. “Anand is a legend. He commands immense respect and admiration all over the world on and off the board. He has inspired an entire generation of players and I too grew up studying his games. What chess is in India today, is all because of him,” she says.
Success Factor
The eventual Arjuna Award winner believes that she was born to play Chess. And the rewards that followed more than substantiated that thought. After being given the Arjuna Award in 2009, there was no looking back for the Chess Diva. And Chennai always had something to offer. She was the 2nd runner-up in 38th National Women’s Premier Chess Championship in Chennai. Taking an international leap soon, she won a Bronze Medal in Istanbul Chess Olympiad in 2012. She also won a Bronze Medal at the Commonwealth Chess Championship at Glasgow and Gold at the Asian Team Championship in Tehran. She has won over 25 medals for the country in various events. Tania has been a member of the Indian Women chess team for nine years.
Mic Moments
As a chess-enthusiast, anything related to Chess have appealed to the gorgeous lady. That’s how Chess Commentary happened to her. Yes, you heard it right, there is something called chess commentary. “Sports like Football and Cricket witness a very excited audience and fans always have something to relate to. With good commentary, you can make that happen in Chess as well,” Tania believes. So, there she was enjoying her first commentary in Chennai in 2013. With big names like IM Lawrence Trent, Tania provided live commentary show. She was also one of the two Indian Commentators for the world chess championship between Magnus Carlsen and Anand. Recently she was the host for Millionaire Chess in Vegas and the Gibraltar Open.
Chess Stays, No Matter What
Now 31, she reveals that as a kid, she created an email address with “chess” after her name — one that she happily uses till today. But as much as she is firm on holding on to chess, there’s so much more to her, “I am a travel enthusiast, I like modelling and I like commentary. But Chess is something that is above everything in life,” she says. “Chess teaches you to handle difficult, confusing situations in life. As you get better at playing Chess, you get better at being a human being,” she says.
Wedding Vows
When asked about how life has been after marriage, Tania says, “I have been traveling like before. My husband knew what he was getting into before marrying me, so I enjoy full support from his side. But, yes, I do miss home more than I used to now,” she smiles.
Playing board games
Tania is assisted by Red Bull in her training and Air India takes care of her travels. The Grandmaster feels that the government is doing a lot for sports, but it still needs to set up more sports institutes that are game specific. By making sports an alternate career option, India can aspire for top positions in the world is what she believes
Career Highlights
2014
Won a Gold and two Silver Medals at the Asian Team Championship in Tehran
Bronze Medal at the Commonwealth Chess Championship at Glasgow
2013
Winner (Italy)
Salento Open (Women’s Section)
Forni Open (Women’s Section)
Winner (Spain)
Barbara Open, (Women’s Section)
Andorra Open, (Women’s Section)
II Position (India)
Indian National Chess Tournament, Kolkata
2012
Bronze Medal
In the Istanbul Chess Olympiad 2012, with a score of 9.0/11
2011
Second runner-up (Turkey)
In the 38th National Women’s Premier Chess Championship
2009
Chennai
Awarded the Arjuna Award by the Government of India to recognise outstanding achievement in National sports
2008
Number 1 in India
In the Asian Chess Championship with 6.5 points in nine rounds
Tania’s pick
As Magnus Carlsen remains her favourite in the male category, Tania swears by the moves of woman grandmaster Judit Polgar
There were days when training was tough and all I wanted was to be in bed, but one has to push and work hard even on those days. I don’t think there is any other way to achieve your dreams
Tania Sachdev, Woman Grandmaster