Chess found me early in Chennai. I was drawn to the board because it was honest: age did not matter, background did not matter, and excuses did not matter. Every move asked the same question - can you see clearly, decide well, and live with the consequence?
That question shaped my journey to Grandmaster. At 16 years and 14 days, I became the youngest National Senior Champion in Indian chess history, breaking the national record previously held by Viswanathan Anand. It was a proud moment, but it was also a responsibility. When you achieve something young, the real work is proving that it was not an accident.
Coaching became important to me because I know how much the right guidance can change a player's path. A student does not only need openings or puzzles. They need structure, honest feedback, patience, and someone who can see the gap between where they are and where they can go.
Speaking came from the same place. On TEDx stages and in event halls, I use chess to talk about decision-making, leadership, pressure, preparation, and resilience. Chess is not just a game. It is a clean mirror for how we think.
Today, I coach serious students, conduct camps, work with institutions, and speak at events where people want to understand performance through the 64 squares. My goal is simple: help more people think better, compete better, and grow through chess.
Draft story - Akash to review before launch.
