“My goal in chess is to become the youngest grandmaster in the world. In order to reach that goal, I have to compete at the highest level in a lot of tournaments,” said Asian and Commonwealth Under 10 Youth Champion 10-year-old Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, in an interview with The Sunday Morning Sports.
The little champ has already achieved many accolades in her short career. In this interview, she speaks of her career and her aspirations for the future.
Following are excerpts:
Could you tell us about how you got into the sport?
I first started playing chess at the age of six. My sister was the first to play chess after one of my uncles gifted her a chess board. That prompted her to learn chess. After that my mother decided to teach me the sport as well.
Who influenced you to take up this sport and why did you select chess?
Actually, no one influenced me to start this. I initially took up tennis as my primary sport but then, once my sister got into chess, I wanted to learn the sport, get better at it, and somehow beat my sister.
How has the support from your parents been?
I receive the best possible support from my parents. They support me with the sport and my studies. My mother comes with me for all tournaments and stays by my side.
How is the support from your school?
I first studied at Ferguson High School in Ratnapura. That’s where I started chess and in Grade 4 I received a scholarship to join Visakha Vidyalaya. At the same time I was approached by Wycherley International School as well. I decided to join Wycherley and so far the school has been very supportive and helpful financially as well.
Travelling for overseas tournaments is very expensive. My school recently sponsored me for the Asian Tournament. The federation provides support for all FIDE tournaments. There are other grandmaster tournaments that take place, but unfortunately my parents will have to find money to fund me for those tournaments.
Could you list your achievements so far?
In 2021, I won several international awards. I won the World Youth Online Under 10 Championship, Asian Youth Under 10 Championship, West Asian Under 10 Championship, 3rd place at the Queens Chess Festival 1500 Rated (women), and 2nd place at the Queens Chess Festival 1500 rated (women).
In 2022, I won the Asian Youth Under 10 Girls’ Championship, Under 10 Girls’ Commonwealth Chess Championship, and Under 11 Asian Schools 2022 Girls’ Championship.
How do you balance school work and sport?
I get a lot of help from my school teachers and school principal, especially for my school work. I don’t like neglecting my studies so I try to finish my day-to-day studies and then make time for chess.
What are your upcoming tournaments?
In the near future there will be national team selection matches. I also hope to participate in the upcoming Grandmaster Tournament, which will be held in India.
Future plans in the sport and academics?
My goal in chess is to become the youngest grandmaster in the world. In order to reach that goal, I have to compete at the highest level in a lot of tournaments. In academics, my dream is to become a doctor someday. If I don’t become a grandmaster by Grade 9, I will give my priority to studies completely.
Anyone special you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my chess master, sir Akila Kavinda. Sir helped me a lot and he guided me from the beginning. If not for him I would not have been able to achieve all this. I would also like to thank Chess Federation President Lakshman Wijesuriya. He has provided me with a lot of opportunities and a platform for me to showcase my talents.
I should also thank the Principal of my school, sir Dayan Fernando, who has also helped me in every way. I would also like to give special thanks to our teacher in charge of sports, Mrs. Juanita, for her support.
I would also like to mention two coaches I had during the beginning of my chess career – Rasika Samaranayake and my previous school’s chess coach Jagath Kethalawala. I extend my gratitude towards all the teachers of my school and all the members of the Chess Association.