‘Learning, an endless process’
HYDERABAD, July 26, 2011

Dronavalli Harika, who has emulated Koneru Humpy as the only Indian woman ever to win a Grandmaster title in the men’s category, is now eagerly waiting for something special to happen.

“I am excited at the huge opportunity of Humpy becoming the world champion this year-end,” says the smiling chess player, who returned to the city from China on Monday.

“I am very keen on an Indian woman becoming a world champion. That has never happened. I will be thrilled if Humpy gets there,” she said, referring to the World championship title-clash between Hou Yifan of China and Humpy later this year.

“Professionally, I do have the feeling that I should achieve the big things first. But otherwise, I have no hassles. She is a great player, and, I have a very strong feeling that Humpy is just one step away from a world championship victory.”

The other dream — personal — which this young champion is chasing now is to be a member of the Indian team on the Chess Olympiad medal podium.

“Because of the strong and intense competition, it should be a major achievement in anybody’s career,” she said.

Interestingly, Harika revealed that she never speaks about chess with the more seasoned campaigner from her own State, Humpy. “Yes, her achievements do inspire us a lot. But, that is it.”

Reflecting on her own career, Harika says she keeps learning new things day in and day out. “It is an endless process, especially in this world of technological advances.”

Source: http://www.thehindu.com

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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