Girls should compete more against boys: Tania
CHENNAI: The debate over abolishing the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title has its pieces set on opposite squares. While the legendary Judit Polgar has thrown her weight behind it, Indian star Tania Sachdev, a WGM herself, believes there's no need to take away such titles as they encourage many young girls.
'I don't think I'm particularly against the women's titles, but I do feel young girls should play in as many open tournaments as possible. They should train with boys, compete against them and not focus just on women's tournaments. There is no need to take away women's titles because those encourage young girls to take up the sport,' said Tania, who is commentating at the Chennai Grand Masters event, on Tuesday.
While seeing the case for a change in the bigger picture, Tania, who also has the International Master (IM) title, mentioned it should be a 'slower transition'.
'I get it in the long run, there is something to be said for that, but I think it will take away an entire generation of chess players. So maybe you have to make that into a slower transition. I also feel that young girls playing only women's tournaments can kind of limit their potential.
'
Tania feels the shift towards girls competing more in open events is already seen, a stark contrast from her playing days. The 38-year-old from Delhi said: 'The more girls do it (competing in open tournaments), the more comfortable it gets.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Compare Spreads: Bitcoin vs Ethereum CFDs
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
This change in thought process is already happening, compared to even five years ago. In my time, that was not even a question; there were barely any open tournaments. Now, the younger generation is of this mindset that they want to compete with the boys.
It's slowly going in the right direction.'
'Women aren't lagging behind': Teenager Divya Deshmukh's recent Women's World Cup victory over her senior Koneru Humpy has given fresh impetus to women's chess in India.
Tania said the victory made it clear women aren't lagging behind in this shining era of Indian chess.
'To see both Humpy and Divya taking part in the Candidates will be a big moment for Indian chess fans. Having two Indians from different generations in the final, it's just so inspirational. I think the girls are also proving that they're not going to be left behind in this golden generation,' said Tania.
Regarding her own playing career, Tania said she still has some chess left in her but now relishes commentating more. 'I love commentary. I feel like I don't love playing as much as I used to, but I still love the game just as much. I still want to play a little..maybe one or two tournaments a year but I'm shifting pretty much full-time towards commentary,' said Tania, who last competed at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, where India won a historic gold.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
11 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Illegal betting app case: Suresh Raina to appear before ED today
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina is expected to appear before the Enforcement Directorate at its Delhi headquarters Wednesday morning after he was summoned by the agency in connection with the alleged illegal betting app-linked money laundering case. A source said Raina has been asked to depose before the agency on August 13 in an illegal betting case linked to an app named 1xBet. 'Once he deposes, ED is expected to record his statements under the PMLA,' the source said. The ED suspects that Raina has alleged links to the app through certain endorsements and now the ED officials are expected to understand that during the questioning. The agency is probing multiple such cases involving illegal betting apps that are alleged to have duped many people and investors.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Patrick Mahomes and Kareem Hunt share lighthearted moment at Kansas City Chiefs 2025 preseason training camp
Patrick Mahomes and Kareem Hunt share lighthearted moment at Kansas City Chiefs 2025 preseason training camp (Image via Getty) Patrick Mahomes did something fun at Chiefs training camp on August 11, 2025, in St. Joseph, Missouri. The well-known quarterback pretended to dunk a football on Kareem Hunt. Kareem Hunt, the running back, almost lost his balance but wasn't hurt. This caught the eye of coaches and fans alike. It was a light-hearted moment during a serious week. The Kansas City Chiefs are getting ready for their second preseason game on August 15. This little celebration added some smiles on a rainy practice day. It shows a team that still has fun while working hard. Patrick Mahomes' playful dunk celebration on Kareem Hunt at Chiefs training camp Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, made a playful move during practice on Monday, August 11, in St. Joseph. He did a small euro step and pretended to dunk the football on Kareem Hunt, the team's running back, who had just returned to the team while other backs were injured. That move made Kareem Hunt lose his balance for a moment but he stayed on his feet and smiled. The moment was light and fun. Fans even posted video of it on social media, and broadcast crews captured it as the players walked down the hill into the practice field. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn 57+ Languages Easily with AI [Join] Talkpal AI Sign Up Undo Kansas City Chiefs prepare for 2025 season with key players Patrick Mahomes and Kareem Hunt This happened during the final week of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 training camp. They practiced August 11–13 before their second preseason game on August 15 in Seattle. Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Backed By Brother Jackson And Family After Being Benched By Coach Andy Reid In Preseason Many players were out with injuries: wide receiver Hollywood Brown, tight end Jake Briningstool, cornerback Jaylen Watson, safety Deon Bush, defensive end Janarius Robinson, and offensive tackle Ethan Driskell. Still, the team worked hard. They also ran a '10-10-10' practice drill. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with Kareem Hunt, tight end Travis Kelce, wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, and tailback Elijah Mitchell on screen plays. All that work demonstrates how concentrated the team is despite how much fun they have. Knowing every practice matters as they get ready for the season opener, the Chiefs do. The pleasant time of Patrick Mahomes and Kareem Hunt reveals their tight connection and great team spirit. Fans are jubilant. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Kylie Kelce shares biggest family change and how Jason Kelce made bedtime special after baby Finnley
Kylie Kelce shares biggest family change and how Jason Kelce made bedtime special after baby Finnley (Image via Getty) Kylie Kelce says the biggest change in her daily routine now that she is a family of six is bedtime. She spoke with PEOPLE on August 12, 2025, about how life has shifted after the arrival of her youngest daughter, Finnley Anne Kelce, who is now four months old (born March 30, 2025). Kylie shares that her husband, retired NFL star Jason Kelce, now handles bedtime on his own. This gives Kylie time to care for the other kids and focus on her work with Dove. It's a big change, and one that fits their family well. Jason Kelce takes over bedtime routine for daughters in Kelce family of six Jason Kelce, who used to share bedtime duties with Kylie Kelce, now takes over the entire routine. Kylie Kelce says , 'He's doing it on his own, which he's the best at. I think they prefer that.' She laughs as she adds that the kids even tell her , 'Mom, why are you even in here? You can get out.' — people (@people) Jason Kelce gives the best back scratches and uses fun voices when reading stories, making bedtime a happy, playful time for Bennett Llewellyn Kelce (2½ years old), Elliotte Ray Kelce (4½ years old), Wyatt Elizabeth Kelce (5½ years old), and baby Finnley Anne Kelce. Kylie Kelce works with Dove to boost girls' sports confidence and plans NFL game trip Kylie Kelce is also focused on her partnership with Dove to help girls feel good about themselves in sports. She wants girls to 'appreciate their body for what it can do instead of what it looks like,' and she says sports can build confidence, teamwork, and self-worth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become Fluent in Any Language Talkpal AI Sign Up Undo In early August, she introduced the Dove short film 'Fans of Confidence' at a Gotham FC game. Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Backed By Brother Jackson And Family After Being Benched By Coach Andy Reid In Preseason In the film, youth players are cheered on by Gotham FC stars, flipping the usual script and giving young girls a special moment. Kylie Kelce also hopes the family can go to an NFL game this season to watch Uncle Travis Kelce play in person. So far, most of the games have been Monday night, which is tough for their little girls. She says they might try to go to a 1:00 p.m. Sunday game instead so it fits better with the kids' routine. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
