Gurgaon girl bags gold in Commonwealth Chess Championship

A 14-year old Gurgaon girl has bagged the gold medal in the under-14 category in the Commonwealth Chess Championship held in New Delhi from June 23 to 30. The championship saw participation of 568 players from 12 countries.

A 14-year old Gurgaon girl has bagged the gold medal in the under-14 category in the Commonwealth Chess Championship held in New Delhi from June 23 to 30. The championship saw participation of 568 players from 12 countries.

Stuti-Bhanot-who-won-the-Gold-medal-in-under-14-category-of-Commonwealth-Chess-Championship-HT-Photo

“I feel very happy. I would like to thank my parents, my school and especially my coach for helping me. It is great to win such a prestigious award.” said Stuti, a student of The Heritage School, Gurgaon.

Stating that he himself used to be a chess player and it was him that Stuti started playing chess with, her father Manish Bhanot said, “She is not only good in chess but also excellent in her studies. Though there is a lot of academic pressure, she still manages to give about three to four hours a day for chess.”

Vishnu Karthik, senior programme leader at The Heritage School said, “We are extremely proud of Stuti. Not just because of her victories but also for the wonderful human being she is - curious committed, conscientious and courageous. This prestigious victory is well-deserved. I wish her parents too for their unstinted support.”

Haryana Chess Association secretary general Naresh Sharma said that this is the first time that a girl from Haryana has won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Chess Championship. “Stuti has come out to be a rising star for Haryana. We all congratulate her and wish her best of luck for the future,” he added.