Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
High-Waisted Workout Leggings Buy Now
Women's Trendy Summer Cap Sleeve Tees Buy Now
Lenovo 14" Business Laptop w/ 40GB RAM, 1TB SSD Buy Now
ASUS Vivobook Go 14 L410 Ultra Thin Laptop Buy Now
Insignia Fire TV 32 inch Smart HD 720p Buy Now
Regular Fit Straight Leg Jean Buy Now
2 in 1 Running Shorts Quick Dry Athletic Shorts Buy Now
Nike Men's Club Hoodieor Nike Club Hoodieor Nike Full-Zip Hoodie Buy Now
Winter Dress Tunic Tops Buy Now
HeatGear Compression Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Buy Now
Men's Lightweight Bomber Jacket Buy Now
CKKM Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Buy Now
Mom's Birthstone Necklace Buy Now
Tracksuits Sweatsuits for Men Buy Now
BOOMCOOL Men's Gym Outfit Set Buy Now
Womens V Neck Tshirt Summer Floral Tops Buy Now
Real Essentials: UV Sun Shirt Buy Now
Chantomoo Women's Corduroy Slippers Buy Now
Butterfly Fashion Sunglasses Buy Now
EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Very proud to have become a WGM, says Vijayalakshmi on comeback

Very proud to have become a WGM, says Vijayalakshmi on comeback

The Hindu
Saturday, April 19, 2025 2:24 PM GMT

India's first Woman Grandmaster S. Vijayalakshmi returns to competitive chess after five years, highlighting gender challenges in the sport.

India’s first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and Arjuna awardee S. Vijayalakshmi returned to competitive chess after more than five years at the second Namma Bengaluru International Grandmasters Open Chess Tournament here.

Vijayalakshmi first took a break from the sport in 2007, when her father passed away. She took another break during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I don’t require a push to play. Chess is my passion and my first love. You can call me any day for a game, and I will be there,” Vijayalakshmi said.

She credited her husband, Grandmaster Sriram Jha, for supporting her through thick and thin, while adding that there are challenges to maintaining a balance between chess and family life. “Marriage was never a setback for me, but it is for many others in the sport. Even so, being a mother meant that every time I play a tournament, I was stealing time I could have spent with my child,” she said.

While becoming the first WGM from the country stands as a career highlight, Vijayalakshmi takes great pride in winning two silver medals at the Chess Olympiad (2000, 2002).

Unlike some of her peers, Vijayalakshmi believes that there is a place for gender titles. “I am very proud to have become a Woman Grandmaster. That title has motivated millions of little girls to take up the sport. Just because I am capable of playing in men’s competitions does not mean that I should be deprived of the opportunity to play in women-only tournaments.”

The 46-year-old added that women in chess face their share of challenges. “People say that men and women can compete equally, because chess is a game of the mind. But they forget that this is also a sport. You require physical endurance and utilise that to sustain mental endurance. Women undergo childbirth, menstruation, and other physiological modifications. This affects performance,” Vijayalakshmi said.

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Portugal beats Spain on penalties to win Nations League

Portugal wins Nations League title after defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties, with Ruben Neves scoring decisive spot kick.

AB de Villiers shares tactical insight ahead of South Africa's maiden WTC final at Lord's

AB de Villiers provides valuable advice for South Africa ahead of their first ICC World Test Championship final against Australia.

Jerome, Vinit, Shameemudheen biggest buys at PVL auction

C. Jerome Vinith joins Chennai Blitz in PVL Season 4 auction, along with other top players, as league expands.

Salman Ali Agha in line to become all-format captain for Pakistan team

Pakistan Cricket Board to announce observatory committee, potential changes in captaincy and selection committee, focusing on talent development and team selection.

Neymar tests positive for COVID-19, Santos say

Brazil forward Neymar tests positive for COVID-19, sidelined from Santos matches, uncertain future with expiring contract.

IND vs ENG Test series: Shubman Gill-led India begin training in England

India prepares for high-stakes Test series against England with intense training session at Lord's under new captain Shubman Gill.

Aryna Sabalenka rues another missed chance against Coco Gauff in French Open final

Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her devastating loss to Coco Gauff in the Roland-Garros final, citing errors and emotional struggles.

Harry Kane saves England from embarrassment against Andorra in World Cup qualifying

England secures 1-0 win over Andorra with Harry Kane goal, maintaining perfect record under Thomas Tuchel.

Patriots oust Pipers, inch closer to the semifinal

Jaipur Patriots secure must-win victory against Ahmedabad SG Pipers in controversial UTT match, eliminating Pipers from semifinal race.

TNPL | Royal Kings get the better of Cholas

Nellai Royal Kings post a five-wicket win over Trichy Grand Cholas.

MOTORSPORTS | Sarthak Chavan, Savion Sabu top Pro-Stock races

Teenage sensations Sarthak Chavan and Savion Sabu win premier Pro-Stock categories at MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship.

Diya scripts a UTT turnaround in style

Diya shines in Ultimate Table Tennis, proving herself with a stunning comeback and unbeaten record for Dabang Delhi.

Plotting the contours of the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry - Men’s tennis’ new main-eventPremium

Men’s tennis was expected to be chaotic after the ‘Big Three’ era ended. But Alcaraz and Sinner have established a firm duopoly, claiming seven of the 10 most recent Majors, including a clean sweep of the last five. Given how even and mesmerising their battles have proven to be, fans have plenty to look forward to as the two young guns compete for the sport’s biggest titles 

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Premier League's first Black referee Rennie dies aged 65

Uriah Rennie, first Black Premier League referee, dies at 65.

TNPL | Swapnil Singh’s all-round show blows away Royal Kings

Swapnil Singh shines with bat and ball as Chepauk Super Gillies defeat Nellai Royal Kings by 41 runs in TNPL-9.

M.S. Dhoni among seven others inducted into ICC's Hall of Fame

MS Dhoni inducted into ICC Hall of Fame 2025 alongside Matthew Hayden and Hashim Amla, honoring his cricket legacy.

Rahul’s moment of reckoning in England Premium

K.L. Rahul aims to prove himself as India's senior batter in upcoming England Test series after IPL success.

For Esakkimuthu, first impression is the best impression

23-year-old A. Esakkimuthu impresses with pace and lionheart mentality on debut, setting up a crushing win in TNPL.

UTT | Dabang Delhi benefits from Sathiyan-Raman union

G. Sathiyan and coach S. Raman unite in UTT, leading Dabang Delhi TTC to semifinals with ease.

Sahaja clinches doubles title

24-year-old Sahaja Yamalapalli wins her first professional doubles title with partner Hiroko Kuwata in Santo Domingo.

Unstoppable Marc Marquez wins Aragon Grand Prix to complete perfect weekend

Marc Marquez wins Aragon Grand Prix from pole, leading every session, with brother Alex second and Bagnaia third.

India win six gold on day two to dominate Taiwan Open athletics

Indian contingent shines at Taiwan Open with six gold medals, including double podium finishes in women's 800m and long jump.

Italian duo Errani and Paolini win French Open women’s doubles final

Italian duo Errani and Paolini win French Open women's doubles title, marking Errani's sixth major tournament victory.

World Test Championship final: Australia’s champion pedigree faces South Africa’s gritty ambition

Australia dominates major cricket finals, aiming for 11th world title in WTC final against South Africa at Lord's.

Dane Antonsen and South Korea’s An win Indonesia Open crown

Anders Antonsen wins first Indonesia Open title, An Se-young claims second crown, French pair Gicquel/Delrue win mixed doubles.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us