18 under 18 Chapter II Winner Mrittika Mallick: I look forward to becoming a chess grandmaster

Mrittika is already making ripples in the world of chess at the age of 14. A master at her game, she won bronze in the Asian Youth Chess Championships 2022 (STANDARD) U-14 Girls, silver in the Asian Youth Chess Championships 2022 (BLITZ) U-14 Girls 2022, and also ranked 4th in the FIDE World Youth U14 Chess Championships 2022. And that is just a few of the laurels she has won this year alone.

Chess: A kind of art? Science? Some claim it is both. However, to most people, it is simply a game. Thrilling, challenging, and original - but a game nevertheless. But to one who plays the game, it is a while different ‘ball game’. Chess represents one of the few pastimes that trains the mind completely - and a chess grandmaster is an expert at logical thinking and problem solving.

Speaking about her win, our young winner Mrittika Mallick stated, “Though I could not be there at the event physically, yet I am very grateful to The Telegraph Online Edugraph for providing me this opportunity to expose my talent. I am also thankful to my school for helping and cooperating with me at every step, which has played a role in my win. I look forward to take a step ahead towards being grandmaster and be known as a one of the best chess players in the near future”.

Chess increases one’s creativity even if it won't necessarily turn them into a creator in the conventional sense. As a chess player has to plan their moves and think about the best way to attack their opponent, it forces them to think differently.

Chess players gain self-confidence off the board as their knowledge of the game and talents increase. Players learn that they can reach their goals via practise and perseverance when they win their first game against a strong opponent. The Telegraph Online Edugraph wishes Mrittika all the very best for her future endeavours.