By Isaac Gomes
2015 It has turned out to be quite an eventful year for India. The 200th Birth Anniversary of Don Bosco, the visit of Barack Obama and the feat of Woman Grand Master Mary Ann Gomes. Indeed, it is providential for Catholics of Kolkata, that one of their daughters has been selected to represent India in the FIDE Women's World Chess Championship 2015 (March 16th- April 7th 2015 in Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia)
A total of 64 players who qualified from the Women’s World Championships 2012-2013, FIDE rating lists, World Junior Championships, Continental Zones and FIDE President’s nominees will compete in the knockout tournament, with six rounds.
The first five rounds of matches will consist of two games per round, with the winners progressing to the next round. The 6th round (final round) will be played over four games and the winner will be declared Women’s World Champion.
The minimum estimated cost is three to four lakh in Indian Rupees (airfare from India and back, hotel expenses and training under experienced coaches). Mary has to bear all the costs without any support from the Indian government.
A total of 64 players who qualified from the Women’s World Championships 2012-2013, FIDE rating lists, World Junior Championships, Continental Zones and FIDE President’s nominees will compete in the knockout tournament, with six rounds.
The first five rounds of matches will consist of two games per round, with the winners progressing to the next round. The 6th round (final round) will be played over four games and the winner will be declared Women’s World Champion.
The minimum estimated cost is three to four lakh in Indian Rupees (airfare from India and back, hotel expenses and training under experienced coaches). Mary has to bear all the costs without any support from the Indian government.
Mary is a rare talent (her current Elo Rating 2355) for the whole Catholic Community of India. The numerous laurels she has won prove this point:
· BEST WOMAN PLAYER in “Grand Europe Golden Sands Open –
2013” Bulgaria 10th – 18th June 2013.
· BEST WOMAN PLAYER at the Chennai Open 2011 International
Grandmaster Chess Tournament, 17th to
26th January, 2011.
· Bronze – World Team Chess Championship 2013, Astana Kazakhstan.
· Bronze – World Youth Chess Championship under 18 Girls, Georgia October 2006.
· Silver – 38th Chess Olympiad (Women), Dresden, Germany,
November, 2008.
· Bronze in Commonwealth and SA Open Chess Championship
(Women), Port Elizabeth, South Africa, July,
2013 and in Commonwealth Chess Championship (Women), Chennai November 2012.
· Gold - Asian Junior Chess Championship under 20 Girls, Chennai India December 2008
· Gold - Asian Junior Chess Championship under 20 Girls, Mumbai India December 2007
· Champion (Hat trick) at 38th, 39th and 40th National Premier Women’s Chess Championships in 2011, 2012
and 2013 held at Chennai, Jalgaon and Kolkata respectively.
According to Mary’s father, for 19 years, through sheer drive and consistence practice, Mary has earned her chance at the world title. He strongly believes that if Mary is supported with finance and prayers by our Christian community, she will achieve her goals and make our country, state and community proud.
· BEST WOMAN PLAYER in “Grand Europe Golden Sands Open –
2013” Bulgaria 10th – 18th June 2013.
· BEST WOMAN PLAYER at the Chennai Open 2011 International
Grandmaster Chess Tournament, 17th to
26th January, 2011.
· Bronze – World Team Chess Championship 2013, Astana Kazakhstan.
· Bronze – World Youth Chess Championship under 18 Girls, Georgia October 2006.
· Silver – 38th Chess Olympiad (Women), Dresden, Germany,
November, 2008.
· Bronze in Commonwealth and SA Open Chess Championship
(Women), Port Elizabeth, South Africa, July,
2013 and in Commonwealth Chess Championship (Women), Chennai November 2012.
· Gold - Asian Junior Chess Championship under 20 Girls, Chennai India December 2008
· Gold - Asian Junior Chess Championship under 20 Girls, Mumbai India December 2007
· Champion (Hat trick) at 38th, 39th and 40th National Premier Women’s Chess Championships in 2011, 2012
and 2013 held at Chennai, Jalgaon and Kolkata respectively.
According to Mary’s father, for 19 years, through sheer drive and consistence practice, Mary has earned her chance at the world title. He strongly believes that if Mary is supported with finance and prayers by our Christian community, she will achieve her goals and make our country, state and community proud.
Considering the prestige associated with the Championship, the pride of Kolkata and the golden chances of Mary being nominated for Arjuna Award 2015, it is high time our Catholic Community, our MPs and MLAs rose to the occasion to hail this rare talent. After all she is our National Asset.
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