Vaishali

Indian chess stars K Humpy and R vaishali are set to clash in the first round of the Women’s FIDE Grand Prix in Pune. Both players aim to secure a spot in the next year’s Candidates tournament through the six-leg series. vaishali will play her second event, while it's Humpy's last chance to gain crucial GP points.

Divya Deshmukh secured an unexpected lead in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix after R vaishali faltered, leading to a quick 26-move victory for Divya. Zhu Jiner also claimed a win against Batkhuyag Munguntuul, joining Divya at the top. Other games saw draws, including matches between Melia Salome and K Humpy, and Polina Shuvalova and Nurgyul Salimova.

In the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, Zhu Jiner leads after four rounds, while Humpy and Divya Deshmukh secured crucial wins, narrowing the gap. Humpy capitalized on Shuvalova's errors, and Divya triumphed over Salome in a lengthy Caro Kann Exchange Variation. Harika opted for a draw despite a favorable position, and Salimova defeated Munguntuul in a decisive game.

Despite empowerment initiatives, women in chess lag globally, with top players' ratings significantly lower than their male counterparts. Factors such as fewer practice hours, societal responsibilities, and emotional responses contribute to this disparity. While some advocate for equal training opportunities, others highlight inherent differences and the challenges women face in pursuing chess careers with the same intensity as men.

K Humpy showcased her experience and skill, defeating overnight leader Divya Deshmukh in a five-hour match at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix. This victory, coupled with Zhu Jiner's draw, allowed the Chinese player to take the sole lead. Meanwhile, D Harika secured her first win, contributing to a positive day for the Indian contingent.

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Divya Deshmukh overcame a disruptive wedding reception and defeated Nurgyul Salimova at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Pune. Play was briefly halted due to noise. Other decisive games saw Polina Shuvalova triumph over Alina Kashlinskaya, while D Harika lost to Zhu Jiner. Munguntuul Batkhuyag prevailed against Salome Melia in a lengthy match, and K Humpy drew with R vaishali.

Pursuing sports like cricket and chess demands significant financial investment, creating disparities in accessibility. While coaches note exceptional dedication among lower-income athletes, the high costs of training and equipment pose challenges. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive support systems, including education and skilling initiatives, to ensure viable career paths beyond professional sports, advocating for models that integrate academics and athletics.

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Air India Express will inaugurate flights from Hindon civil terminal to Varanasi and Patna next month, expanding its domestic network after completing metro connectivity with Chennai in March. The new routes aim to cater to the growing passenger base in Delhi-NCR and nearby regions, offering convenient travel options.