Team Herald
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PANJIM: During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21, Akanksha Ulhas Desai discovered a new passion - chess. What began as a casual interest while accompanying her daughter to chess tournaments, soon blossomed into a dedicated pursuit of the game.
Within a remarkably short period, she not only honed her skills but also began participating actively in both State-level and All-India Civil Services Chess Tournaments.
Her breakthrough came in the State Civil Services Chess Tournament 2022-23, held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Margao, where she competed in the open category alongside the men's team and earned selection to represent Goa. This achievement marked a proud and historic moment - her first participation in the All-India Civil Services Chess Tournament, hosted at the prestigious Vishwanathan Anand International Chess Venue at KIIT & KISS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
In the 2023-24 State Civil Services Chess Tournament at Campal Indoor Stadium, Panjim, Akanksha secured an impressive third place, reaffirming her steady rise in the chess community. She once again represented Goa at the All-India Civil Services Chess Tournament, now as part of the women’s team,
Keeping up her remarkable streak, Akanksha competed in the 2024-25 State-Level Tournament held at Bahusaheb Bandarkar Krida Sankul, Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa, and subsequently participated in the All-India Civil Services Chess Tournament 2024-25 at the same venue.
In the team events, she scored 4.5 out of 6 points, winning four consecutive games and securing a third place on the top board - a phenomenal achievement. She secured the Best Veteran Award (Gold), stated the Goa Chess Association press release.
Akanksha Ulhas Desai’s journey is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and commitment can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, even when started later in life. Her contribution has elevated the presence of women in civil services chess.
She is working in Public Works department as a statistical assistant.