Meet Aakanksha, The U-16 World Chess Champ

When it comes to mind games, Aakanksha Hagawane is an expert. This amazingly talented 16-year-old Pune girl won the Under-16 World Chess Championship in Russia in 2016.

There were only five Indians who have won in the Under-16 and Under-18 category. Aakanksha was the first woman to win the championship in her category.

Her father is a state-level boxer and referee who encouraged her to take up chess. She has never looked back since then.

She is currently ranked #1 in Asia in her category and # 15 in the World.

We met up with this prodigal chess champ to understand her mind and her plans…

So how did you feel when you emerged the champion at the Under-16 tournament?

I was really not thinking about winning when I started the tournament. I just concentrated on my game and hoped for the best. It was a really a surprise when I finally won.

Did you know that when you won, you were the first Indian girl in the Under-16 category to do so?

I did not know at that time. It made me feel proud that I achieved something for my country. Everybody feels proud representing their country at the international level.

Who inspired you?

Undoubtedly, it was my father. A state-level boxer, my father asked me to follow my dreams and never give up.

My coach, Jayant Gokhale, gave me strong support. He has immense faith in me and that gave me confidence at all times.

My father really took good care of me. He also cooked food for me to take went I went out of the country.

Who is your role model or icon in chess?

Magnus Carlsen is my role model because he is the number one player in the world and his style is very different. He makes his moves very quickly and correctly. He makes chess look so easy and it inspires me.

How has the game benefited you?

It helps me concentrate on my studies. I can easily remember all the answers which is why I passed my 10th standard exams with flying colours.

Also, it helped me loosen up a bit as a child. I was a very stubborn kid. The game made me realise certain values in life which calmed me down.

Are you doing any analysis after the each game?

Yes, of course, After every game, I analyse of my game with my coach. This helps me improve my game and plan properly.

We also need to analyse our opponents’ game in advance. This helps us to predict some of their moves.

Do you have any other hobbies?

I like to read and most often murder mysteries.

So which was your longest playing time with an opponent?

Five-and-half- hours was the longest I played. I don’t remember the opponent now. But I found Russian and Chinese opponents the strongest. They are groomed from an early age, right from school.

Your future plan and goal?

I just want to play more and get better and better.