MARGAO
Woman Grandmaster Bhakti Kulkarni said that the Goa government's offer of a permanent job for her in the Sports Authority of Goa will serve as an inspiration to those trying to make a career out of sports in the State.
"I am thrilled and honoured to be offered a government job. I want this recognition to serve as an inspiration to everyone playing the sport in the State. My joy will then be complete," Kulkarni said. The chess veteran thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Govind Gaude for recognising her hard work in chess.
"It's amazing and a really happy feeling. I am very thrilled to have won the bronze medal for India A in the Chess Olympiad in Chennai. India A Team received one crore from Tamil Nadu," she said.
Bhakti, a former National 'B' champion in 2011, is the winner of Asian Continental Women's Championships in Uzbekistan in 2016, Commonwealth Women's gold in 2014, Commonwealth U-18, U-20 gold, Asian U-14, U-18, U-20 gold and a two-time national junior champion, World School U-17 gold in 2008, the winner of the 44th National Women's Challenger Chess in 2017.
When asked her next assignment, Bhakti said she is preparing for Asian Continental Women's Championships in New Delhi.
