Minha aspires to be grandmaster

Srinagar, Jan 8: A 17-year-old girl from Khanyar, Srinagar, has emerged as a rising star in the world of chess, carving a unique niche for herself at the national level.

With a gold medal at the state level and numerous accolades to her name, Minha's started her journey from learning chess at the age of five and represented Jammu and Kashmir on bigger platforms.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Minha said she developed a passion for chess at the age of five after she saw her father playing chess.

"I was just five when I watched my father play chess. I learned the game as he played, applied my mind, and when I played my first game, it felt like I already knew it,” she said.

Minha attributes her success to the family support, stating that extended cooperation paved ways for her participation in different tournaments to hone her skills.

"My parents have always supported me. What I am today is all because of them. I have excelled because of their support," she said.

Minha has represented J&K in the nationals as the only girl from the valley, and besides embracing victory, she acknowledges facing defeats in various competitions.

"With my hard work and passion for the game, I aspire to become a grand master and hope it becomes a reality one day," she said.