Indian “chess hottie”

Don’t mind being called a chess hottie: Tania Sachdev
By Sundari Iyer

Chess was never a glamourous sport in India. But you will be forced to think otherwise after reading this.

Apart from making all the right moves on the black and white board, Tania Sachdev, who was recently part of the winning Asian team in Iran, is adding the much-needed glam quotient to the sport with her pretty outfits.

The 27-year old reigning national champion played a crucial role in the team’s gold in the blitz format, silver in the rapid format and another silver in the classical format during the Asian Nations Cup held from May 20 to 30.

“I think the perception of chess not being a glamorous sport is only in India. Players in Europe come professionally dressed. Being in proper attire is a crucial part, as you feel confident.

Though I would like to be known for my achievements in the sport, I don’t mind if somebody calls me a hot chess player,” Sachdev told Sunday mid-day.

Travel freak

Apart from chess, the Red Bull sponsored Sachdev is hit by the travel bug. “I am a travel buff. Whenever I get time from my schedule, I prefer exploring places that are not tourist spots.

With my tournaments taking place in the remotest of places in Europe, I love to try out the local cuisine, culture and nature. Spain is my favourite country. Iceland is also my favourite destination.

If I wouldn’t have taken up chess professionally, I would have been a travel writer,” said the Arjuna awardee, who turned commentator for the World Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in Chennai last year.

“It was for the first time I did commentary. It is not easy as you are anticipating the moves of the player and also keep the audience hooked to the game at the same time,” she said.