Sowmya M U, an accomplished entrepreneur, and President of the Bengaluru Urban District Chess Association, joins ET Edge Insights for an exclusive conversation. Her visionary leadership in organizing the 1st Bangalore International Grandmasters Open Chess Tournament, supported by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment & Sports, Sports Authority of India, Karnataka Olympic Association, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, and backed by FIDE, reflected a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and women’s empowerment within the chess community.
Sowmya’s dynamic approach positioned Bangalore as a global hub for chess, showcasing her resilience and determination in pursuing her passion. The tournament, held from the 18th to the 26th of January 2024, brought together 2000 players from India and 20 other countries, marking a significant milestone in the global chess calendar.
Excerpts
What inspired the vision to position Bangalore as a global hub for chess, and how do you envision achieving this through the tournament?
The inspiration behind positioning Bangalore as a global chess hub stems from recognizing the city’s growing participation in the chess world. The tournament serves as a strategic platform to showcase participants’ strategic brilliance, fostering a sense of community among the citizens of Karnataka. By attracting prominent Grandmasters from 20 countries, we aim to send a strong message about Bangalore’s potential as a hub for chess, bringing global attention to the city’s chess landscape.
Could you elaborate on the strategic objectives behind the 1st Bangalore International Grandmasters Open Chess Tournament and how they align with your long-term goals for chess in Bangalore?
The strategic objectives of the tournament, centered on celebrating global chess excellence and fostering inclusivity, align with our long-term vision of making Bangalore a chess hub. The participation of players from 20 countries significantly contributes to the global chess landscape, showcasing Bangalore’s potential as a welcoming and inclusive hub for chess enthusiasts worldwide.
In your leadership role, how do you foster inclusivity within the chess community, and what specific steps has BUDCA taken to empower women in the sport?
Fostering inclusivity is central to my leadership approach at BUDCA and otherwise. BUDCA, led by a team of seven women, most of whom are housewives, actively promotes an inclusive space for all chess enthusiasts. We have implemented programs to encourage women’s participation in chess, breaking gender stereotypes. Our leadership team exemplifies our commitment to women’s empowerment within the chess community.
Can you share examples of initiatives aimed at breaking stereotypes and creating an inclusive space for individuals from diverse backgrounds, genders, and age groups in the chess community?
BUDCA has plans to initiate outreach programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives targeting individuals from diverse backgrounds. We actively promote chess as a sport for everyone, breaking stereotypes related to age and gender. The tournament itself, with participants from various countries, creates an inclusive international platform, transcending geographical boundaries.
Beyond the tournament, what impact does BUDCA aim to create within the local community, especially in terms of integrating chess as a tool for critical thinking and decision-making skills?
BUDCA aims to integrate chess into the local community by emphasizing its role as a tool for critical thinking and decision-making skills. Our outreach programs extend beyond the tournament period, engaging the local community in chess-related activities and promoting the game as a valuable educational tool.
What challenges have you encountered in realizing your vision for Bangalore as a global chess hub, and how have you addressed them?
The journey has had its challenges, including finding and collaboration with sponsors, and receiving support from the State Government. Since it was the 1st chess event being organised in Bangalore at such a grand level, the logistical complexities of such a huge number of international players and ensuring widespread participation at the tournament were daunting. We addressed them through strategic planning, collaboration with key stakeholders, and leveraging the support of our dedicated team. Flexibility and adaptability have been crucial in overcoming such challenges and ensuring the success of our vision.
Are there opportunities you see emerging from hosting such a prestigious international chess event in Bangalore? And what are some of the challenges you faced while organising the event?
Hosting this prestigious event in Bangalore opens up numerous opportunities, including heightened global visibility and increased interest in chess locally. Challenges included coordinating the logistics of an international event and ensuring a seamless experience for participants. Overcoming these challenges required meticulous planning, effective communication, and collaboration with event partners.
