Written by Shambavi, Year 10
Earning my first chess title, Woman Candidate Master (WCM), is a moment I’ll never forget. It felt like the reward for all the hours of training, the endless tournaments, and those exhilarating games that stretched on for hours. Finally being able to call myself a titled player was incredibly special — it felt like I had carved out my own little place in chess history, a reminder that every sacrifice and every tough game had been worth it.
I have plenty of goals ahead, and I see earning my WCM title as just the first step in a much bigger journey. My next focus is improving my FIDE rating and working towards the WFM (Woman FIDE Master) title — and from there, I want to keep pushing for the next titles that follow. One of my biggest dreams is to become world number one for my age and, ultimately, to earn the prestigious Grandmaster title. More than anything, I want to make history by becoming the first female Grandmaster from England — a goal that inspires me every single day. It won’t be easy, but I’m ready to put in the work and fight for it.
What I love most about chess is the way it constantly pushes me to think in new and creative ways. Whether I’m solving a tough puzzle, preparing for a strong opponent, or analysing my game after a match, there’s always something new to learn. Beyond openings and tactics, chess has also taught me valuable life skills — like patience, resilience, and how to stay calm under pressure, even when things aren’t going my way. But what makes chess truly special is the way it brings people together. Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to meet so many incredible people — at local tournaments, international events, and even through online games. Some of these connections have turned into strong friendships, and it’s amazing to think that without chess, our paths might never have crossed. I’m incredibly grateful for everything chess has given me — the lessons, the challenges, the unforgettable experiences and I am excited to see what the future brings!