Player Profile: Soumya Swaminathan

Soumya Swaminathan is a well-known Indian chess player born on 21st March 1989, in Palakkad, Kerala. She mainly grew up in Pune, where her love for chess first took root. She was passionate about strategic board games from a very young age, and her family consistently supported her enthusiasm for the sport. After finishing school at Abhinava Vidyalaya in Pune, she pursued law at ILS Law College, Pune.

Soumya expertly balanced her academic commitments with her chess ambitions, showcasing a remarkable combination of intelligence and dedication, which is quite impressive. She started playing chess when she was just nine, and through consistent hard work and determination, she climbed the ranks.

A major turning point in her career came in 2007 when she was crowned the World Junior Girls Chess Champion, earning international recognition. Over the years, she has claimed numerous national and international titles and established herself as one of India's leading female chess players.

Some of her major achievements include:

• Winning the Indian Women's Championship in 2010.

• Representing India in various Chess Olympiads and Asian Games.

• Earning the titles of the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and, later the International Master (IM), which is awarded to players regardless of gender.

• Bringing home a bronze medal from the Women's Asian Individual Chess Championship in 2016. • Contributing to the Indian women's team’s bronze medal win at the 2012 Asian Nations Cup.

Beyond her impressive track record in chess, Soumya is also well known for her strong stance on social issues. In 2018, she made headlines by withdrawing from the Asian Team Chess Championship in Iran to protest against the mandatory hijab rule, a brave move that earned her significant respect.

Today, she remains actively engaged in the global chess community. She shares her expertise through commentary, writing, and mentoring younger players. In interviews and articles, she preaches about chess and advocates for gender equality in sports.

In summary, Soumya Swaminathan's journey from her early days in Pune to becoming a celebrated figure in the chess world is a compelling story of skill, integrity, and resilience. Her impact on Indian chess goes beyond her wins as she is a role model for aspiring players, especially young girls across India and beyond.