Junior National champion aiming for a world title
By Harsha Amarasinghe
Sunday, 08 December 2013 00:00
Chirashana Lamahewa an 18-year-old chess player from Ananda College, Colombo, is one of the most consistent players in Sri Lanka school chess scene winning, board prizes of Sri Lanka School Chess Championships in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.The most recent award being adjudged the Junior National champion in November. He also won a Silver at the National Youth Blitz Chess Championship in 2010. Talking to ‘Free’ magazine Chrishana said he is training to defend his Junior National title.
Q: What has been the best moment of your career?
I finished fourth in the World School’s Blitz Championship held in IASI, Romania. During that tournament I was able to beat the Romanian Junior National Champion, Bida Mihai Eugene. That moment was awesome. I felt the same way when I was called up to collect the trophy for the Junior National Champion.
Q: Did you face any obstacles during this whole time?
Yes I have. But once, Albert Einstein said, “Chess holds its master in its own bonds, shackling the mind and brain so that the inner freedom of the very strongest must suffer.” So I believe I’ve been trying to overcome my weaknesses. We have minimal chances of gathering knowledge worldwide. Therefore one has to put continuous effort to compete in and out of the box at the same time to be on the game.
Q: What made you take an interest in this particular sport?
When I was 10 years old, I got my very own chess board from my father. I think it was the first move and I was inspired from then on. When I was in Grade Six I took a challenge from a classmate who was already a member of the school chess team. It took me by surprise that I could win so easily, then the news flashed and I was invited to play for the school team. I got selected and I guess it was the beginning.
Q: Who is the toughest opponent you’ve ever faced?
Talipov Nafis from Russia
Q: What are your plans for the future?
I want to become a genius at chess. While defending my current title I dream of one day winning an international title. It would be an honor to bring a glory to my motherland. And I want to do well in my A/Ls next year. And I am hoping to continue my higher studies in the management field.
Q: Who are your biggest supporters?
I have great feedback from my family. My mother has always been there for me like a shadow. I just love my mother and father very much. I was brought up in a well-disciplined manner. “A strong concentration, imagination and a strong will is what it takes to become a strong chess player,” they say. My family provides me with great support. They are my biggest fans and strength. Jagath Senarathne the Principal of G/ P.De.S. Kularathne MV (my old school), Dinesh Jothirathne, Manoj Kodikara and Shyamali Jayasuriya. Col L M D Dharmasena past Principal of Ananda College, Kithsiri Liyanagamage the Principal of Ananda College, Susantha Karadena Teacher-in-Charge of Chess. And I would like to thank Fide Master Prasanna Kurukulasuriya, G C Anuruddha and my colleague Fide Master Sajith Pieris.
Q: What advice do you have to someone who wants to be like you (in the same sport) ?
Chess demands a love for the game. Behind great success lies deliberate practice, total concentration. You should always have an interest to figure out what high achievers do have in common. And most importantly should always respect our seniors whose footsteps we are following.
Source: http://www.nation.lk
How strong is he?