From parents' struggles to 'endless coffees': Savitha Shri on becoming India's only Chess Olympiad gold medallist

In a Times of India feature published on 2026-10-07, 19-year-old Savitha Shri recounted her breakthrough as India's only individual gold medallist at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

In the final installment of TimesofIndia.com's series looking back at India's medal-winning campaigns at Samarkand, she recalled arriving as a reserve, playing all 10 rounds and delivering when India needed her most.

She discussed her family's sacrifices, the team's bronze, support from Swayams Mishra and her goal of becoming a Grandmaster.