Renowned international chess player from Chhattisgarh, Kiran Agarwal was recently appointed as the coach of the Indian chess team by the All-India Chess Federation. Kiran participated as a coach in the 16-member Indian team participating in the Commonwealth Chess Championship held in Sri Lanka from November 13 to 23. While she was appointed, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel congratulated her on being appointed coach and said that the Indian team will get the benefit of her sportsmanship and experience. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Umesh Patel congratulated her and said that she has been instrumental in grooming new sporting talents. Under her guidance, the Indian chess team will perform well. Earlier in 2004, Kiran Agarwal of Bhilai in the Durg district achieved the distinction of becoming the coach of the Indian chess team.
Chess players of the state are jubilant over the appointment of Kiran Agarwal as a coach. It is noteworthy that during the Chess Olympiad, the torch relay was brought to Chhattisgarh and Kiran also got the privilege of holding the torch. Apart from Ms. Kiran, Praveen Thipsay, V Ravichandran and Prasannajit Dutta have also been made coaches of the Indian chess team.
Recently, India bagged 30 medals, including 12 gold medals, at the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka. India clinched 30 medals under the guidance of a coach from Chhattisgarh, Kiran Agrawal.
The championship was played in different age groups such as U 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18. Besides India, Russia, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, and England participated in the tournament.
Achievements of Kiran Agarwal
Ms. Kiran Agarwal is the only woman chess player from the state, who has been conferred the title of Women FIDE Master by the World Chess Federation. Kiran has made her rivals proud with her performance representing India in more than 15 major countries like London, Dubai, Germany, Yugoslavia, Bangladesh, and Doha (Qatar). In view of his achievements, the then Madhya Pradesh government honored her with the Vikram Award in 1986.
Source: Internet