Mastering the Game: Harshit Amarnani’s Chess Pursuit

Hailing from Lucknow, Harshit Amarnani has been passionately playing chess, competing at the professional level for over six years. He was introduced to the game at the young age of ten, while in fifth grade. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a passion as he became increasingly engrossed in the game

In this feature, he shares his journey, the challenges of balancing academics and chess, and his aspirations for the future.

When did you develop a passion for chess as a sport?

I participated in my first competitive tournament in 2015, and I believe I lost all of the games. But the competition fueled me. It was then that I really developed a drive to play, challenge and compete with other players, and win. I’d say it was back then that I first became interested in chess as a sport.

How has being a student at Ashoka University influenced or shaped your approach to chess?

Ashoka is a highly competitive place, with rigorous academics. So it is surely not easy to engage in co-curricular activities or participate in sports at this level. However, the hyper-competitive environment at Ashoka is something I enjoy, as it pushes you to work harder. In general, the overall atmosphere fosters ambition and encourages individuals to give their best. Exposure is also a key factor— as inter-college events provide valuable opportunities for practice and experience.

To fully commit to a chess career, I believe university support is crucial. Access to quality training, competitive opportunities, and a supportive community can significantly enhance a player’s development. While financial assistance and sponsorships are essential to cover expenses like travel and coaching fees, it’s equally important to have a conducive environment that fosters both academic and chess pursuits.

Congratulations on your selection for international-level chess competitions! Could you tell us a bit about your most memorable chess competition so far?

It has been an absolute privilege to get the opportunity to play in international chess tournaments, and I’m truly grateful for it. If I had to choose my most memorable experience, I would say it was my first international event in Belgrade, Serbia, in July 2022. I was one of the lowest seeds in a highly competitive field, but I took each round as it came, focusing on doing my best without worrying about the results. To my surprise, I performed exceptionally well, getting 1st place in my category and tying for 10th overall, despite starting as one of the lowest-ranked players.

That tournament was particularly memorable because it was my first time in Europe, and the atmosphere was incredible—the enthusiasm of the people, the competition, and even the style of play. And of course, the cherry on top was the prize I won. I also competed in the Catalan Chess Circuit in Spain this summer, which was another great experience. I’ve played in several tournaments, and while it’s hard to pick a favourite, if I had to choose, it would definitely be the one in Serbia.

How do you balance your academic commitments at Ashoka with the demands of being a chess player?

It’s definitely tough. Alongside the intense academic workload at Ashoka, managing the dedication required for chess is challenging. I’m still figuring it out and trying to improve each day in balancing both efficiently. There’s a lot to juggle during the day, and I have to divide my time between various activities, including focusing on fitness and maintaining a social life to keep things balanced.

Do you have any advice for students who want to pursue chess as a sport?

For any student wanting to pursue chess as a sport, all I can say is that it requires hard work, but it’s definitely not impossible. I’m still working on it myself, and I believe that with dedication, nothing is beyond reach. You just need to put in the effort and approach it the right way. Having an open mind, tackling problems with a fresh perspective, and maintaining a positive attitude have really helped me, and I believe that’s something everyone can strive for.