Harika Dronavalli

Harika Dronavalli is an Indian professional chess player, born on January 12, 1991, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female chess players in Indian Chess history. Harika began her professional career at an early age before rising to international fame in her teenage years.

Harika is known for her deep understanding of the game, strategic thinking, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including three bronze medals in Women's World Chess Championships, and holds multiple records in Indian Chess history.

Off the board, Harika is also recognized for her influence on promoting chess in India and inspiring millions of young female chess enthusiasts.

Early Career

• Harika was born and raised in Andhra Pradesh, and she started playing chess at an early age. She made her mark in the international arena by winning the U-14 girls World Championship in 2004.

Rise to Fame

• Harika's career took off as she continued to perform well in various national and international tournaments. She was awarded the grandmaster title in 2011, becoming the second Indian woman to achieve this feat.

World Championships

• Harika has represented India in multiple Women's World Chess Championships, earning three bronze medals in 2012, 2015, and 2017.

Recent Years

• In recent years, Harika has consistently been in the top 10 of the FIDE women's rankings, cementing her place among the world's elite female chess players.

Indian National Team

• Harika has been a crucial part of the Indian women's team in multiple Chess Olympiads and other team events.

Achievements:

• World Junior Girls' Chess Championship: Winner in 2008.
• Asian Women's Chess Championship: Winner in 2011.
• Harika has also been awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Indian government for her contributions to Indian sports.

• Position: Harika excels in all forms of chess including classical, rapid, and blitz.
• Skills: Known for her strategic depth, tactical acumen, and endgame skills. Harika is celebrated for her versatility, defensive solidity, and ability to handle pressure.

• Family: Harika is married to Karteek Chandra.
• Role Model: Harika has often cited Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian Grandmaster, as her inspiration.

• Harika Dronavalli is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her role in popularizing chess among women in India. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the chess board, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Women's World Chess Championship:

• Three-time bronze medallist

World Junior Girls' Chess Championship:

• Winner in 2008

Asian Women's Chess Championship:

• Winner in 2011

Arjuna Award:

• Recipient in 2007

Books

• Agarwal, V. (2018) Mind Masters: Winning Lessons from Viswanathan Anand's Career. Noida: HarperCollins India. (Includes references to Harika's career)

Websites

• FIDE: Information about Harika Dronavalli’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
• Chess.com: Details about Harika’s career and performances. Available at: https://www.chess.com

Articles

• The Hindu: Harika Dronavalli: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com
• Indian Express: Harika Dronavalli’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.indianexpress.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• ChessBase India: Various interviews and features on Harika Dronavalli, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.chessbase.in