In the quiet intensity of the Chennai Grand Masters, a tournament where strategic brilliance dictates fate, Indian chess Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli is navigating not just the 64 squares but also the delightful complexities of motherhood. This year, the seasoned player has brought an invaluable, albeit tiny, spectator to the arena: her two-year-old daughter, Hanvika. This presence introduces a novel dimension to competitive chess, transforming the austere professional environment into a testament to personal dedication and evolving priorities.
Three years ago, Harika was already a story unto herself, competing at the 2022 FIDE Olympiad in Mahabalipuram while heavily pregnant. Organizers stood ready with an ambulance, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport. Now, her journey continues, but with a different kind of support crew. The presence of her daughter at the Chennai Grand Masters marks a significant personal milestone, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a high-achieving athlete balancing demanding careers with the profound joys of family. It’s an evolution, from one chapter of immense anticipation to another of active, shared experience.
For Harika, this isn`t merely a logistical arrangement; it`s an emotional anchor. “I made her sit on the board, move the pieces. That felt good,” she shared, a rare smile perhaps softening the competitive edge inherent in a Grandmaster. “It`s a nice feeling that my daughter is coming and witnessing what I am doing in my life.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many professional mothers who contend with the perpetual balancing act. The “mom guilt” of leaving a child behind is a familiar weight, and the opportunity to integrate her daughter into her professional world, particularly in a familiar setting like Chennai near her home in Hyderabad, was a chance Harika was keen to seize. Even a minor scare due to a hotel fire, quickly managed by organizers, only served to underscore the added dimension of parental responsibility she now carries.
While the chessboard demands absolute concentration, life, as it often does, introduces charming distractions. Harika`s early games in the Challengers section saw a couple of losses, yet her perspective remains refreshingly grounded. “I`m playing with strong, young Grandmasters. It`s okay, even if I play good or bad, I just want to have fun, that`s it.” This attitude, a blend of competitive spirit and personal contentment, speaks volumes. It`s an ironic juxtaposition: the silent, intense battlefield of chess, where every move is calculated with cold precision, now gently punctuated by the vibrant, unpredictable presence of a toddler. It`s a testament to a different kind of strength, one that finds harmony amidst disparate demands.
Harika`s journey also mirrors a broader renaissance in Indian women`s chess. With talents like Divya Deshmukh winning the FIDE World Cup and Koneru Humpy reaching the final of the Women’s Candidates, the landscape is rapidly changing. Harika holds particular admiration for Humpy, herself a mother, acknowledging the immense fortitude required to compete at such an elite level while managing family responsibilities. “I know how commendable [it is] for Humpy to reach the final. With having a kid, family, so many responsibilities, the way she fought was just amazing,” Harika stated, emphasizing a shared understanding of the unique challenges. “This is something that people should really understand, it is much more difficult for Humpy with her circumstances to still be there and be in the final.”
For a Grandmaster who has dedicated 25 years to the international arena, the growing spotlight on chess in India feels like a long-awaited vindication. Harika recalls earlier times when significant achievements went largely unnoticed. “I used to reach the semifinals, losing in Armageddon, win bronze medals, and there would be no recognition,” she recounted. Yet, she maintained her belief. “I knew it will eventually grow. I believed our sport will also grow. I`m happy that at least I`m somewhere near to that era, and it didn`t happen after I finished my career.”
As Harika Dronavalli continues to make her moves at the Chennai Grand Masters, her story transcends the technicalities of chess. It`s a powerful narrative about resilience, the delicate art of balancing fierce ambition with heartfelt family life, and the quiet triumph of seeing one`s passion flourish while inspiring the next generation – perhaps even her own daughter, who, in her innocent presence, has become Harika`s most cherished and pivotal piece on the board of life.