Sky is the limit

Sky is the limit

Soumya Swaminathan, who is back from Argentina after winning the World Junior Chess title speaks on various issues from her hobbies to her toughest opponent

By Micky Aigner
Posted On Sunday, November 08, 2009 at 02:10:02 AM

She is cool, calm and composed and is a jolly lass when it comes to expressing her thoughts. Soumya Swaminathan, the city’s very own World Junior chess champion, who is back from the country known to have produced the biggest name in sports history – Diego Maradona, feels that the sky is the limit in terms of achieving.

Having confidently emerged triumphs pitting her wits against the many ambitious teenagers, Soumya, was quick enough in responding to a ‘know me more’ interview request. After all it also meant knowing Pune’s first chess world champion at any level and moreover the first female to achieve this feat in the city.

Excerpts

Is there any other sport you like?

I like watching a few other sports like cricket and tennis, but that too is not very often. I dont play any other sport. I used to swim when I was younger.

How religious are you…

I do believe in God and have a lot of faith in him.

Does Soumya have any idols?

I would not call her an “idol” as such because I think every player has his own specialities but Koneru Humpy has always been an Inspiration.

How would you define your game style?

Aggressive. Active.

Do you identify yourself with any particular chess piece?

(Laughs) Not really, but I like to play Queen endings.

What kind of hobbies does a grandmaster have?

I think chess players are very normal people and not as serious as peo-ple make them out to be. Mine are dancing, reading, music, and the in-ternet.

Can playing chess help solve the everyday problems as Gary Kasparov claims in a book?

It does teach you to handle pressure and cope up with setbacks, but otherwise it has got more to do with the experience and the situations one faces during a tournament.

Toughest opponent played so far?

Maybe Abhijit Kunte (facing your coach is always tough)

What are your expectations? Paint us a picture of what you want to achieve in chess five years from now?

I am a Women’s Grandmaster now with two International Master’s norms. In five years time I want to be a strong Grandmaster, and fight for the Women’s World Championship.

Here is the full article.