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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Indian women in chess: From Miss Fatima's 1933 win in Britain to Divya Deshmukh's World Cup title
When Divya Deshmukh became the FIDE Women's World Cup champion on July 28, a victory that earned her the grandmaster title, it was a proud moment for every Indian. But for 18-year-old chess player Shivika Rohilla, the win carried a deeper meaning. While Rohilla felt pride in seeing a woman bring glory to the nation and joy in seeing a compatriot win, the achievement also sparked hope—as she shares the same dream. Rohilla was born and raised in Delhi and began playing chess at the age of six. Alongside her game, she runs a chess academy called the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy. Speaking with Rohilla said, 'My mother and I recognised the missing chess culture in Delhi and decided to open an academy.' She explained that her vision was to help women pursue chess professionally without the burden of exorbitant coaching costs. Although India has a strong line-up of chess players, women's participation in the sport remains limited. Deshmukh, for example, is only the fourth Indian woman to become a grandmaster. Amid celebrations around Deshmukh's victory, here's a look at some of the pioneering Indian women in professional chess. The earliest accounts of Indian women playing chess come from chess grandmaster Yuri Averbakh's book, A History of Chess: From Chaturanga to the Present Day (2012). Averbakh mentions a game called Thaayam, played on an 8 x 8 board by women in the rice fields of South India. 'When the rice is almost ripe, women and girls from the villages of South India spend all day in the field to scare the birds, and to pass the time, they play games; the most popular is Thaayam,' he writes. The 'board' for the game is drawn on the ground, with small sticks used for pieces, and tamarind seeds serving as dice. 'I was struck by the resemblance of Thaayam to the game that we consider an ancestor of chess and call Chaturanga,' Averbakh adds, reckoning that Thaayam could be a 'basic' or 'degenerated' version of Chaturanga. 'Indeed, it looks like Thaayam must be an ancient game, since rice was sown in India at least two thousand years before our era,' he notes. An early name in Indian chess is that of Sultan Khan. Born in 1905 into a poor Muslim family in the village of Mitha Tiwana, now in Pakistan, Khan learned the game from his father. His talent was recognised by Colonel Nawab Malik Sir Umar Hayat Khan, an avid chess player and a landowner in Mitha Tiwana village. The Nawab welcomed Khan into his household, supported him financially, and sponsored his journey to Europe. Interestingly, Khan was not the only one sent to Europe by the nawab. Miss Fatima, a servant of Sir Umar, was the other. She won the British Ladies Championship in 1933 by a spectacular three-point margin, scoring 10 wins, one draw, and no losses. In The Encyclopaedia of Chess (1970), British chess champion Anne Sunnucks notes: 'It has not been possible to trace either the first name or initials of Miss Fatima of India, who won the title in 1933'. The English weekly, Hastings and St Leonards Observer, reported on August 12, 1933: 'History was made at Hastings Chess Club this week when the British Chess Championship and the British Women's Championship were each won by Indian competitors. Mir Sultan Khan secured the men's championship…and the women's championship was won by the young Indian lady player, Miss Fatima, who held an unbeaten record throughout the contest. This remarkable victory of East over West makes the first British championship contest to be held in Hastings since 1904'. The same report described Miss Fatima as a 'charming devotee of the game' who was 'modest about her success.' Media reports of the time claimed that she was born between 1912-1914, and had been in England for about five years in the household of Sir Umar. The Western Morning News, in an August, 1933, report titled 'Indian Girl of 21-Winner of British Women's Chess Championship', described her as a woman with 'faultless features' who had won nine of 10 games despite having far more experienced opponents. It ended, stating: 'No such score has ever been made in a series of similar contests extending over nearly 30 years. Unfortunately this is likely to be her last tournament in England…she is returning to India shortly'. The Hastings Observer similarly remarked, 'She is the first of her countrywomen to win the women's championship'. In the next few decades, many aspiring players travelled to Britain to compete in international events. Among them were Manuel Aaron, Dibyendu Barua, Pravin Thipsay, Krishnan Sasikiran, Surya Sekhar Ganguly, Pentala Harikrishna, Viswanathan Anand, and others. 'Not until the Khadilkar sisters, who played in the 1970s and 1980s, did many know of women in chess,' says Indian grandmaster Ramachandran Ramesh, in an interview with Providing an extensive list, he names Bhagyashree Thipsay, Anupama Gokhale, Murali Reddy Saritha, Mrunalini Kunte, Saheli Dhar-Barua, Aarthie Ramaswamy, Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi and Subbaraman Meenakshi. 'Most of them played in the late-twentieth century and belonged to Chennai or Tamil Nadu,' he says. 'In the younger generation– Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal are some names,' notes Ramesh. On Chennai becoming a hub of chess players, he says, 'Traditionally, in India, irrespective of the gender, most chess players were from Chennai and Tamil Nadu. Chennai is kind of a chess capital for India. The first international master from India is Manuel Aaron from Chennai. Then we had the first grandmaster from India, also from Chennai, Anand. The Tamil Nadu Chess Association was headquartered in Chennai, and they were quite active.' He also mentions the regularity of tournaments, the presence of chess academies and chess schools as factors fostering 'an environment for chess'. Professor Ceyda Mumcu, an expert in fan behaviour, sport marketing, and women's sports marketing at the University of New Haven, Boston, tells 'Whether it is a physical sport or a strategy game like chess— regardless of if there is a physical contact or not, women have been historically and currently being held back. And that stems from how society views women.' Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan says participation gaps, weaker competition and lack of ambition dissuade many women. 'I think if we take a sample size of 100, at least 90 would be men, which also results in more men reaching the top,' he says. 'So if you have more women in chess tournaments, then the younger girl says, oh, I want to be that. But that inspiration is missing,' says Mumcu. Interestingly, many chess tournaments have a separate women's category. But female players can also compete with men in the open category. While some experts believe that this is a disadvantage for men, others say it is a step towards making the game more accessible for women. 'But practically, of course, very few women end up playing in the open for various reasons. For one, it is just more lucrative for women to play in the women's section. The financial conditions, the prize money, everything is much better if they play in the women's section. Whereas in the open, the competition is completely different,' says Narayanan. 'In chess, a woman can easily beat a man. There is no physical component. It is not like we are going to play football or soccer. There is no muscle power, etc., those are not factors. So, essentially, it is an equal playing field. The only thing that impacts the equal playing field is access,' says Mumcu. 'Despite producing so many good players, we do not have tournaments of our own. So if someone is very aspirational, in the current setup, they have to go outside India and play at a huge expense—just one trip to Europe will cost Rs 1 lakh for travel; then there is visa, accommodation and food costs,' laments Ramesh. Rohilla concurs. 'Many women leave the sport just because it is quite expensive. If you are deciding to go full-time into chess, you have to invest at least Rs 2-3 lakh per month into the game– and that is the bare minimum. Coaching accounts for most of it, as we often require three different coaches based on their masteries,' she explains. Narayanan asserts, 'If someone from India, no matter how talented, exclusively plays only against other Indians, they can only improve to a certain level. They need the competition outside. They need the competition of stronger players to play with.' Citing the example of China and Russia, Rohilla says, 'Girls there are taught chess from a very young age.' Yet, grandmaster Ramesh says, 'It is very easy to look at everything cynically, but that hinders new initiatives. Things are changing for the better– we have a lot more women in chess today than a couple of years ago.' Nikita writes for the Research Section of focusing on the intersections between colonial history and contemporary issues, especially in gender, culture, and sport. For suggestions, feedback, or an insider's guide to exploring Calcutta, feel free to reach out to her at ... Read More
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
6 classic games that are older than you think
We often think of games today as something you download – fast, flashy, designed for screens. But games didn't start there. Long before controllers and consoles, people were playing with what they had – tiles, stones, boards, even the ground. Some of these games were played in temples. Some on palace floors. Some are just at home with family. What's surprising is that many of them haven't gone away. They've changed a little – a rule here, a modern board there – but the way they bring people together? Still the same. And they're not just old stories. These games are still played. Quietly, often. But still very much alive – in schools, homes, even international tournaments. Here are six games that began centuries ago. Some even thousands of years back. Yet somehow, they've stayed with us. Chess Before it became the game of kings and global championships, chess began as Chaturanga in ancient India around the 6th century. From there, it spread across Persia, the Arab world, and eventually into Europe. Though the rules have evolved, its reputation as one of the most intellectually challenging games has stayed the same. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Livguard Lithium-X: The Future of Power Backup Livguard Learn More Undo Whether it's in a park or a world final, chess remains unmatched in strategic depth. Snakes and Ladders This game has had a surprising journey. Originally called Moksha Patam in ancient India, it wasn't designed for fun – it was a moral lesson. The ladders represented virtues; the snakes, vices. British colonists turned it into the more playful version kids know today. Tablut Once played in Viking-age Scandinavia, Tablut is a version of the ancient strategy game Hnefatafl. It was different from most board games because the two sides weren't equal – one defended a king, the other tried to capture him. It faded over the centuries, but modern board game fans have brought it back, intrigued by its asymmetric style and Norse heritage. Nine Men's Morris This two-player game has popped up across history – from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe. Known in some regions as 'Mill,' it's simple on the surface: form rows of three and remove your opponent's pieces. But it rewards strategic thinking and forward planning. Even today, it's still played in classrooms and historical reenactments. Senet Believed to be one of the oldest board games ever discovered, Senet was more than just entertainment. In ancient Egypt, it symbolised the journey of the soul after death. The game dates back over 5,000 years, and though nobody knows its exact original rules, modern versions have been recreated for museums, classrooms, and curious gamers. Go Go may be the quietest of all competitive games, but don't be fooled – it's brutally complex. Developed over 2,500 years ago in China, Go is about surrounding territory with simple black and white stones. It spread to Korea and Japan, and today, serious players compete in high-level tournaments. Even artificial intelligence has struggled to master it fully – which says a lot.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Checkmate to cognitive decline: Unleashing the transformative power of chess in India
I indulged in a seven-week sabbatical in India, a deliberate pause to rejuvenate my mind and spirit. Surrounded by the warmth of my family and immersed in the familiarity of my hometown, I found the perfect sanctuary to refocus on my doctoral pursuits. The comforts of home and the absence of solo responsibilities afforded me the luxury of dedicating myself fully to my studies – a welcome reprieve from the juggling act of living independently, working full-time, and shouldering a multitude of obligations. Just as my academic momentum began to build, I craved further cognitive stimulation. My mind began to wander back to neurobics, a subject dear to many in my family. Memories of my childhood chess classes resurfaced, and I recalled how, despite my mother's considerable investment, I had never truly applied myself. Now, an inexplicable yearning to relearn the game emerged, and I decided to start by playing with my mother and grandfather, both formidable players. Their suggestion that I resume formal training sparked a renewed passion within me. As I recommenced coaching, I felt an invigorating sense of cognitive vitality, a newfound sense of identity, and an unexpected tranquillity. My cognitive output was optimised, and I was astonished by the profound impact of this simple board game on my mental well-being. The experience was nothing short of revelatory, leaving me awestruck by the game's multifaceted benefits. In the verdant expanse of India's intellectual terrain, the venerable game of Chaturanga took root, germinating a profound legacy of philosophical and strategic thought that would flourish for centuries. This ancient precursor to modern chess was an apt metaphor for the classical Indian army, with its four constituent divisions – infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots – serving as a potent allegory for the delicate interplay of power, wisdom, and artistry. As Chaturanga traversed the Silk Road, it absorbed and assimilated diverse influences, evolving into the sophisticated game of Shatranj in Persia and eventually, the modern game of chess in Europe. Yet, despite its geographical and cultural migrations, the Indian essence of the game remained an indelible thread, weaving together the narrative of a civilisation that has consistently prized intellectual refinement and strategic brilliance. Today, India's resurgence in chess supremacy is a testament to its enduring intellectual legacy. Luminaries like Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi embody the very essence of strategic brilliance, foresight, and analytical acumen that once characterised the nation's monarchs and scholars. Their mastery of the game is a powerful echo of India's storied past, where intellectual pursuits were revered as the highest form of artistic expression. Chess as art, mental exercise and India's intellectual heritage To engage in the game of chess in India is to participate in a rich cultural dialogue that transcends time and space, invoking the ghosts of ancient strategists and philosophers who once wielded the game as a tool for intellectual refinement. Each move on the board reflects the eternal quest for equilibrium, echoing the Vedic concept of 'Rita' – the cosmic order that governs the universe. In India, chess represents a sublime confluence of art, philosophy, and strategy, a synthesis that spans centuries and civilisations. The game remains an enduring testament to India's intellectual heritage, a bridge that spans the ancient and modern, symbolising the nation's timeless genius and its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. As you immerse yourself in the strategic world of chess, the game's cognitive demands expertly hone your mental faculties. Memory plays a pivotal role, as recalling intricate patterns, strategies, and moves becomes second nature. This rigorous mental exercise yields a profound impact on both short-term and long-term memory, fortifying your ability to retain and retrieve information. The deliberate planning of each move, guided by the dual objectives of protecting your pieces and outmaneuvering your opponent, cultivates logical thinking, analysis, and abstract problem-solving. This cerebral training enhances critical thinking, fosters creative solutions, and refines your ability to navigate complex situations. Personalised chess therapies and health benefits The cognitive benefits of chess are multifaceted: it boosts intelligence quotient, stimulates innovative thinking, and provides a mental reprieve for creatives facing artistic blocks. Moreover, the sustained attention required to play chess improves focus and concentration, counteracting the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and digital distractions. By engaging in this timeless game, you sharpen your mental edge, cultivating a more agile, adaptable, and resilient mind. Emerging neuroscientific research positions chess as a potent catalyst in the battle against neurodegenerative disorders and mental health afflictions. By harnessing the game's cognitive demands, individuals can bolster their cerebral resilience, fostering a profound impact on dementia prevention. Chess enhances cognitive reserve – the brain's capacity to withstand pathological insults – by stimulating neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, regions pivotal to memory and executive function. A landmark longitudinal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2021) revealed that elderly chess players exhibited a remarkable 40% deceleration in cognitive decline compared to their non-playing counterparts, attributable to the game's dual requisites of working memory and strategic planning. For individuals grappling with Parkinson's disease, chess offers a dual benefit: the deliberate movement of pieces enhances motor skills, while the game's reward-based learning mechanism stimulates dopamine release, complementing pharmacological interventions. Beyond its individual benefits, chess fosters social connections, bridging diverse backgrounds and promoting metacognition – the capacity to reflect upon one's own thought processes. Chess clubs and therapy groups have been shown to yield a profound impact on mental health, with studies indicating a 30% reduction in depression scores among participants. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that chess therapy must be tailored to individual needs, particularly in cases of comorbid anxiety and depression. Clinical discretion is essential in such scenarios, as the game's competitive nature may exacerbate anxiety in certain individuals. In India, where the aging population and youth mental health crisis converge, chess presents a promising solution – a low-cost cognitive training modality with heightened therapeutic effects. Its bidirectional benefits – protecting against neurodegeneration while building emotional resilience – underscore its unique role in public health, offering a potent tool in the pursuit of mental well-being. Call for grassroots efforts to promote chess across communities As we navigate the complexities of mental health and cognitive well-being in India, chess emerges as a potent catalyst for positive transformation. By harnessing the game's profound cognitive and emotional benefits, we can galvanise a national movement that promotes mental fitness, fosters social connections, and cultivates emotional resilience. The integration of chess into national health campaigns, akin to the revered practice of yoga, holds immense policy potential. This could involve the development of chess-based programs for schools and community centers, provision of training and resources for instructors and mental health professionals, and strategic promotion of chess as a tool for cognitive development and mental well-being through targeted public awareness campaigns. Grassroots efforts are already underway, with schools, NGOs, and innovative apps working tirelessly to bring the game to vulnerable groups. By introducing chess in schools, we can enhance cognitive development, bolster academic performance, and nurture social-emotional learning. Mobile apps and online platforms are democratising access to chess, rendering it an inclusive and empowering tool for mental fitness. As we strive to build a society that values mental well-being and cognitive health, chess stands poised to play a pivotal role. By supporting and scaling these initiatives, we can create a groundswell of interest in chess as a transformative force for individual and collective well-being. Ultimately, the game's timeless wisdom and cognitive demands offer a profound opportunity for India to forge a new path towards mental fitness, one that is at once inclusive, empowering, and uniquely suited to the nation's diverse needs. (Rashikkha is a multidisciplinary clinician working in the U.K., specialising in the delivery of clinical interventions in forensic settings.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 yoga asanas to reduce arm fat
Target arm fat and achieve toned, sculpted arms with yoga. Incorporate poses like Downward-Facing Dog, Plank, Chaturanga, Side Plank, and Dolphin into your routine. These exercises strengthen biceps, triceps, shoulders, and core, promoting fat reduction and muscle definition. Consistent practice alongside a balanced diet yields visible results. People who are aiming for a lean upper body often come across one challenge: arm fat. The struggle gets real, especially if you are on a weight loss journey. Along with a balanced diet and consistent fitness regime, you can also add a low-impact solution to tone arms naturally - yoga! Yes, certain yoga poses can target your arm fat and give you a toned and sculpted arm. Here are five yoga exercises that can reduce your arm fat naturally. Adho Mukha Svanasana, aka Downward-Facing dog engages multiple muscle groups, including the arms and shoulders. This pose will strengthen the biceps, triceps, and deltoids. To perform this pose, begin on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart and fingers spread wide for stability. Tuck your toes under, lift your hips toward the ceiling, and straighten your arms to form an inverted V shape. Keep your shoulders away from your ears, engage your core, and press firmly through your palms. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, taking 3–5 deep breaths, and repeat 2–3 times. Phalakasana, also known as the plank pose, is great for arm and core strength. From the Downward Dog, shift your body forward until your shoulders align over your wrists, forming a straight line from head to heels. Keep your elbows slightly bent to avoid strain. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Especialista recomenda: simples truque alivia as varizes facilmente Fim das Varizes Undo Now engage your core, and press through your palms to maintain stability. Hold for 15 to 60 seconds, aiming for three sets. This pose targets the triceps, biceps, and shoulders, and also engages the core. Chaturanga Dandasana Chaturanga Dandasana, aka the Four-Limbed Staff pose, is a pose that will significantly target the triceps and shoulders. The arm flab will disappear in a matter of weeks if you are consistent. From Plank Pose, slowly lower your body halfway down. Keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees and placed close to your sides. Ensure your body remains in a straight line from head to heels. Hold for 10–30 seconds, repeating 2–3 times. This pose will help to sculpt your arms. Vasisthasana Vasisthasana, the side plank, is ideal if you really want sculpted arms. This side plank pose targets the shoulders, biceps, and obliques. It will help to strengthen the muscles, and also tone and reduce the fat. From plank pose, shift your weight onto your right hand and the outer edge of your right foot. Stack your left foot on top of the right, lift your hips, and extend your left arm toward the ceiling. Keep your core engaged to maintain balance. Hold for 15–30 seconds per side, repeating 2–3 sets. 5 Yoga Asanas to Naturally Manage Low Blood Pressure | Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ardha Pincha Mayurasana, aka the Dolphin pose, will burn your arm fat. This yoga pose can strengthen and stretch the shoulders, upper back, and legs. To perform this, start in Downward Dog, then lower onto your forearms. Ensure to keep your elbows directly under your shoulders. Press your chest toward your thighs, engage your shoulders, and keep your head neutral. Hold for 30–60 seconds, repeating 2–3 rounds. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
India's most expensive web series cost more than Pathaan, Baahubali, Pushpa; but never released, filming never completed
The streaming medium began in India to tell slice-of-life stories, which were generally told on smaller scales than regular TV and cinema. But over the years, as stars began to enter the fray, OTT platforms began mounting shows on bigger budgets. Soon, many Indian web series rivalled films in opulence and scale. Some even surpassed them. The biggest of them all would have been a spectacle, had it ever released. In 2018, streaming giant Netflix announced an ambitious show - a multi-season adaptation of Anand Neelakanthan's 2017 and 2020 novels The Rise of Sivagami, Chaturanga, and Queen of Mahishmathi. The series, a prequel to the Baahubali series, was titled Baahubali: Before the Beginning, and was produced by SS Rajamouli. The series chronicled the journey of a young Sivagami and how she came to encounter Katappa and eventually marry Bijjaladeva. Production began in September 2018 with Mrunal Thakur as Sivagami, along with with Deva Katta and Praveen Sattaru as the directors. The initial budget was ₹100 crore. However, the pandemic stalled the production. In 2021, Bollywood Hungama reported that Netflix and the makers were scrapping the initial version and starting afresh with a new lead. Wamiqa Gabbi came on board and the streamer greenlit the new version with an additional budget of ₹200 crore. The production team was changed too, and a new director - Kunal Deshmukh - was hired. Before it was shelved by Netflix, Baahubali: Before the Beginning had seen two sets of cast, three directors, and a ballooned-up budget of ₹300 crore. This production budget was ironically even higher than the ₹250-crore spent on Baahubali: The Beginning. It is also more than the production budgets of some of the biggest blockbusters made in Indian cinema recently, including Pathaan and Pushpa: The Rise (both ₹220-250 crore). Yet, after all this money being spent, it was tragic that the show never saw the light of the day.
