Harsha Bharathkoti has moved one step closer to becoming the first-ever Grandmaster in chess from Telangana!
The 17-year-old gifted player achieved his second GM norm despite finishing 16th in the recent Dubai Open chess tournament.
By winning the Khatmandu Open international tournament on Tuesday with 7.5 points from nine rounds, Harsha is well on the road to getting his third and final GM norm to get the coveted Grandmaster title.
With N.V.S. Ramaraju, who coached GM Dronavalli Harika and national under-17 champion Raja Rithvik, being his mentor, this Hyderabadi has been quiet a performer of late.
For someone who admires Gary Kasparov, Harsha is hopeful of getting the final GM norm this year itself even as he braces himself to face the challenges in the Asian Juniors (Mongolia), World Juniors (Turkey) and three GM tournaments in Kolkata, Odisha and Mumbai lined up later this year.
“The most impressive aspect of his game is his tactical vision and deep calculation,” says coach Ramaraju, who, like many unsung heroes in the Hyderabad sport scene, is content in producing champions.
Harsha says he has to improve a lot in openings and work on his time management. “I have realised that I often slip into time pressure. This is one area of major concern and I am sure with Raju sir taking care of these two critical aspects, I will be a much better player,” says the champion.
Coming from a middle-class family with his father working with Ramaraju Academy of Chess Education at Saidabad, all that Harsha can look forward every month in terms of financial support is ₹10,000 per month that he gets from the ONGC.
“Yes, it’s always an expensive proposition and we are really struggling to even compete in major international events owing to lack of financial support. I believe this is the right time a decent sponsorship could help my cause,” says Harsha.
“The more you play the better will be the chances of to improve your ELO ratings and also get these GM norms. I am hopeful given the good results from my end of late, and if someone chips in with a decent sponsorship,” he signs off.
