It’s a great feeling to be GM, says Anurag

PanajirAn unassuming bespectacled lad emerged from Airport Terminus 2 at 6.45 pm at Dabolim on Monday to a sea of adulation and fanfare. Much to his nature, the soft-spoken Anurag Mhamal, who recently became Goa’s first chess Grandmaster and the 48th of the country, acknowledged his admirers with a shy smile, handshakes and a few words while soaking in the atmosphere. rThe Dempo Goodwill Ambassador besides obliging his young fans for his prized autograph, also ensured photo and selfie opportunities with his admirers and well-wishers alike. Even with a posse of the chess community surrounding him, he never showed restraint of visible fatigue get the better of him. He was only more than happy and tolerant to respect the love and good tidings which played its part that eventually earned him the magical 2500 Elo rating and the subsequent GM title.r‘Vish of Goan chess’, ‘Inspiration of Goan chess’ was found writ on congratulatory banners held by excited young chess-playing kids teeming around. Speaking to The Goan for an instantaneous reaction, the overwhelmed Santa Cruz resident told the daily that he has no words really to describe his momentous accomplishment and he is pretty much excited as well. “It’s a great feeling to become Grandmaster,” said Anurag.rHis parents were visibly delighted and proud of their son’s epoch-making sporting achievement for the State. His mother Bharati, speaking to this paper stated, “It has been a long struggle for our son. He had many ups and downs but he always stayed determined reflecting on his ultimate goal.” Arvind, the father added: “It was a childhood dream, which he nursed since six-and-a-half years and I am very happy he has become a GM.”rHis current coach Akash Thakur, who preferred to stay much in the background had this to say. r“I have been coaching Anurag from 2006 unto this day. When he began to receive sponsorship from the House of Dempo from 2013, it became a real turning point in his life. By 13, he became an International Master (IM).” When asked to talk on his protégée’s game, he reveals that Anurag was always a risk-taker. “He is always ready to try new lines and surprise his opponents. He is ready to play in all types of situations. Basically, just loves to play chess,” the towering Thakur stated. rWith Anurag on the cusp of a GM title with a mere two Elo points away at the start of the Benasque Open which took place from July 6 -15, this writer asked what may be his two cents he offered to his ward. r“I told him it is not about reaching 2500 Elo points, but playing for more than that and playing happily,” the Nagpur-based coach stated. He also further said that Anurag can definitely achieve a 2600 Elo rating with his totally different playing style which has improved a lot.r“It is a dream accomplished for the chess fraternity. A dream which looked at impossibly with a country of 120 crores with only 47 Grandmasters prior to Anurag becoming one. Though chess was invented in India it has flourished in UK, USA and Europe. It has not picked up yet in our country, and so it is a big achievement,” Kishor Bandekar, secretary, Goa Chess Association remarked. rSpeaking to this paper, VM Prabhudesai, SAG Director had this to say. r“I am very happy and I have seen him grow as a chess player from a young age. I may possibly be one of very few people who has seen his journey from day 1. His achievement will augur well for Goan chess players who are already playing the game and who will take it up. This is a combined effort of the chess association, parents, media and Dempo Group. When everyone combines well, these kinds of results come.” rShrinivas Dempo, Chairman, Dempo Group was conspicuous by his absence.