CHECKMATE WITH THE CHAMPION

This 16-year-old from Chennai is making waves in the game of chess internationally. She won three silver medals in the 24th IPCA World Individual Chess Championship

- DIYA MARIA GEORGE

Sixteen-year-old Sharon Rachel Aby sat across her chessboard in Goa last month, facing opponents twice and sometimes thrice her age. They were seasoned players, some professional coaches, from 21 different countries. Sharon, representing India, held her ground. By the time the 24th IPCA World Individual Chess Championship ended, she had three silver medals around her neck—one each in blitz, rapid and classical formats.

The haul was remarkable. Sharon had doubled her medal count from last year's championship in Armenia, where she won a single bronze. This win also came only days after she retained her National Women's title at the All India Specially-abled FIDE Rated Chess Championship in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. It was her third consecutive national crown, securing her place as one of the country's most promising para-chess players. For Sharon, the victories are stepping stones towards a bigger goal. "I want to be the first Grandmaster on a wheelchair," she said.