Vantika Agrawal, the recent Chess Olympiad gold medallist, has made waves in the world of chess, emerging as a remarkable talent from Noida, Uttar Pradesh. With limited local infrastructure to support her passion, Vantika’s journey has been one of grit and determination, supported unwaveringly by her mother, who prioritised her children’s success above all.
At just 21 years old, Vantika has already etched her name in history by helping India secure its first-ever gold medal in team chess at the Olympiad held in Budapest. However, the path has not been without hurdles. “It has not at all been easy reaching this level,” she reflects, noting that the culture in north India often prioritises academic excellence over sports. Vantika recalls a time when her achievements in chess were met with indifference, even at her college, Shri Ram College of Commerce.
Vantika’s mother made significant sacrifices for her daughter’s chess career, even leaving her job at a multinational company to provide the support Vantika needed. This commitment allowed Vantika to focus on her training, despite the lack of local chess resources.
Vantika’s foray into chess began at the age of seven and was fuelled by a desire to explore various activities, including arts and martial arts. “I think the first tournament I played I won some prize money. Prizes became a motivation to continue playing chess,” she shared. However, finding a suitable coach proved challenging. She dedicated 5-6 hours daily to online training before eventually finding a mentor in Manish Uniyal, who significantly influenced her development.
Her early achievements included winning the Asian Championship U9 title in Delhi and participating in numerous tournaments across India, often travelling with her mother. Despite the demands of competitive chess, Vantika never compromised on her academics, balancing tournaments and studies with determination.
Vantika’s dedication paid off with numerous accolades, including her first international success—a bronze medal in the U14 World Championship in 2016. The Covid-19 pandemic, while challenging, provided her with time to refine her skills, leading to her victory in the mixed team event during the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad.
Her standout performance in Budapest solidified her status as a top player. Alongside teammate Divya Deshmukh, Vantika played a crucial role in India’s success, especially during critical matches where other key players struggled.
Now, Vantika is focused on achieving her goal of becoming a Grandmaster. “From 2022 till now, I have competed in 28 Open events to earn rating points,” she noted, acknowledging the physical and financial challenges of continuous travel for tournaments. Her mother, Sangeeta, expressed the pressures of supporting her daughter’s ambitions, highlighting the significant costs associated with training and travel.
Despite the hardships, Sangeeta remains committed to Vantika’s future. “We are not thinking about money right now. We are just trying to focus on her,” she stated, reflecting a deep understanding of the sacrifices required for success in competitive sports.
Vantika Agrawal stands at the cusp of greatness, armed with resilience and a passionate drive to succeed. “I think if I keep trying my best, I can even make it (become a GM) by next year,” she said optimistically, eager to repay her mother’s sacrifices with her success on the chessboard. As she continues her journey, Vantika serves as an inspiring example of what determination, coupled with support and sacrifice, can achieve.