Tania Sachdev: This Diwali feels like a celebration of fulfilled dreams

This Diwali is special for chess player Tania Sachdev , who was a part of the Indian women’s chess team that won the gold medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest recently. Tania, who has not been home for most Diwalis, will be celebrating Diwali in Delhi with her family. She tells us, “To win a gold has been a dream since I made it to the national team to play my first chess Olympic in 2008. In these 16 years, I’ve not been home for most Diwalis. This Diwali feels like a celebration of all the dreams coming true. I am at home and get to spend Diwali with loved ones, filled with gratitude, knowing that we've made the country proud makes it extra special.”

‘DIWALI FOR ME, IS ABOUT FAMILY, LIGHTS, AND RECONNECTING’
Tania points out that she is taking two weeks off, probably for the first time ever. “I am taking two weeks off to enjoy the festivities and spend time with everyone who has supported me along the way. Diwali will be spent lighting diyas, decorating, puja at home and then a dinner with family and friends. I have been playing tournaments on most festivals, so the times I have been home, it’s special and Diwali for me, is about family, lights, and reconnecting. There’s a special warmth and magic to Diwali, it’s my favourite time of the year. We usually have a puja, binge eat and spend time together,” shares the player, who along with Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal, won the top spot at the Chess Olympiad.

‘DIWALI COMES WITH A FEELING OF JOY AND GRATITUDE’
“As a kid it used to be about fireworks and the excitement of getting ready for Diwali parties. Over the years, it comes with a feeling of joy and gratitude,” she adds.


'CHESS IN INDIA IS SHINING BRIGHTER THAN EVER'
India won gold medals in both the Open and women’s sections of the 45th Chess Olympiad recently. Reflecting on this historic moment, Tania tells us, “The double Olympic gold was a huge defining moment not just for each one of us on the team but for Indian chess as a whole. From incredible performances on international stages to young talents emerging from every corner of the country, it has been a monumental year for the sport. Indian chess is shining brighter than ever, and I believe this is just the beginning. This Diwali, I wish for this momentum to continue and for chess to reach every corner of the country, inspiring kids everywhere.”