In a proud moment for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Rotary Club of Sri Vijaya Puram felicitated six-year-old chess prodigy Neharika D for her remarkable performance at the 1st Shatranj India Open FIDE-Rated Rapid & Blitz Chess Tournament 2025 in New Delhi.
Representing the Islands in the Under-8 Girls category, Neharika secured 4th place in both the Rapid and Blitz formats, demonstrating skill, composure, and competitive spirit beyond her years. Her achievement marked a significant moment for the region’s sporting community, as she brought home laurels from a prestigious national-level chess event.
To acknowledge her accomplishment, the Rotary Club presented Neharika with a gift hamper, a token amount, and a certificate of achievement. The felicitation ceremony took place in the presence of Rotary Club President Rtn. Deepak Kumar, General Secretary Rtn. Arun Srivastava, Treasurer Rtn. Faisal, Past President Rtn. Dr. Dinesh, and Neel, General Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Chess Association.
Speaking on the occasion, President Rtn. Deepak Kumar lauded Neharika’s commitment to the sport. He described her early achievements as “truly inspiring” and expressed confidence in her potential to scale greater heights in the years to come. The ceremony also underscored the Rotary Club’s ongoing efforts to support young talent across the Islands.
Past President Rtn. Dr. Dinesh recalled that the Rotary Club had previously honoured another rising chess star, R. Kashthuri Bhai, for her distinguished record in both national and international competitions. Kashthuri, a trailblazer for the Islands in the sport, won the Andaman & Nicobar State Open Chess Championship in 2024 and became the first Islander to secure international ratings in both standard and rapid formats. Her consistent success has served as an inspiration for upcoming players, including Neharika.
By recognising the achievements of these young athletes, the Rotary Club of Sri Vijaya Puram continues to position itself as a pillar of encouragement for the sporting fraternity. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to identifying and nurturing talent in the Islands, particularly in disciplines where young players have shown exceptional promise.
The Andaman & Nicobar Chess Association, whose representatives attended the ceremony, has been working to expand the sport’s reach through tournaments, training camps, and collaborations with local schools. The recognition of Neharika’s achievements is expected to further motivate budding players to take up chess seriously.
For Neharika, this honour is both a milestone and a stepping stone. At just six, she has displayed competitive maturity, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game’s nuances, qualities that bode well for her future in chess. Her success story highlights the potential of grassroots sports in the Islands and the importance of institutional support in helping young talents shine on larger platforms.
As the Islands celebrate Neharika’s rise, the message from the Rotary Club remains clear: sustained encouragement, recognition, and resources can transform promising players into champions. With her early accomplishments and the community’s backing, Neharika now stands at the beginning of what could be a remarkable sporting journey.
