Aurionpro Champion Lalit Babu: ‘I still have the fire'

The Hindu

3 days ago

For M.R. Lalit Babu, it was not just another win when he clinched the Aurionpro International Chess Tournament in Mumbai recently.
The 32-year-old, who earned the GM title in 2012 and was part of the bronze medal-winning Indian team at the Chess Olympiad in 2014, believes this could mark the beginning of a new chapter as he pursues fresh goals.
In a chat with Sportstar, Lalit shares his thoughts on his latest win and his future plans.
Q: How important is this win when you look ahead?
This win means a lot — on so many levels. It's not just about the trophy or rating points. From round six onwards, I was down with fever, cough, and cold, and it took everything I had — physically and mentally — to keep going. But somehow, I stayed focused and kept pushing through each round.
Winning the tournament despite being unwell reminded me of what I'm still capable of, and it gave me a renewed sense of purpose. It felt like life was testing me — and I managed to pass that test. That makes this victory even more special — because it wasn't just about chess, it was about grit.
Q: What was the best part of this championship, game-wise?
Round two was a big turnaround for me — I was actually losing but somehow managed to fight back and win. And the last round against Levan Pantsulaia was super important too. I'm really happy with how I converted both games.
Q: What do you feel are your strong points?
I'd say my strategic understanding and endgame technique have always been my strengths. But lately, I've been experimenting a lot— taking big risks and trying to reinvent the old 'Lalit Babu' who used to play very carefree chess.
Q: How do you assess your career at this point?
It's been a journey of highs and challenges. I achieved the Grandmaster title a decade ago, which was a major milestone, but I couldn't fully capitalise on it due to insufficient institutional support. Still, I've stayed active and continue to grow. I believe there's still a lot ahead of me.
Q: What are the realistic goals you've set for yourself?
In the short term, I want to improve my rating and break back into the 2600+ club. Long term, I aim to qualify for more elite events and represent India in team competitions again. I also hope to mentor young talents eventually.
Q: What are you looking to focus on more in the future?
I want to focus more on physical fitness and psychological resilience, which are often underrated but crucial during long tournaments. On the chessboard, I'm working on strengthening my middle-game tactics and dynamic decision-making, as well as refining my opening preparation to stay competitive at the highest level.
Q: What kind of support are you looking for?
Financial sponsorship, invitations to strong tournaments, and access to high-level coaching are crucial. Even logistical support — like visas, travel arrangements, or seconding during events — can make a big difference.
Q: Do you feel India should host more GM tournaments to help Indian players compete better?
Absolutely. Hosting more GM tournaments will provide essential exposure for young talents and help them earn norms without the huge cost of travelling abroad. It's a practical way to grow our chess ecosystem.
Q: What have been the defining moments of your career?
There have been several, but a few truly stand out — for both what they meant to me and what they gave back to Indian chess.
Winning the Commonwealth Championship in 2012 was a breakthrough moment; it gave me the belief that I could hold my own among the best. Soon after, representing India at the 41st Chess Olympiad in Tromsø in 2014 and contributing to the team's historic bronze medal was something deeply emotional. To stand on the podium with the Indian flag — those are moments you never forget.
Becoming the Indian National Champion in 2017, and winning titles in Rapid and Blitz in later years, helped me grow as a complete player. I've been fortunate to win more than 20 gold, 15 silver, and 14 bronze medals across international and national events — and every one of them represents years of silent hard work.
Another defining chapter was the streak of international wins in 2021–2022, after a long and challenging phase in my career. Winning tournaments like the Thailand Pattaya Open, the Vergani Cup in Italy, the Marienbad Open in the Czech Republic, and the First Saturday GM tournament in Budapest — all without losing a single game — felt like a personal renaissance. I proved to myself that I still had the fire, the fight, and the love for the game.
What made it more special was that these victories came after years of striving without much external recognition or support. They were fuelled by sheer passion—and that's what continues to drive me even today.
Q: Do you feel you haven't done full justice to your talent despite becoming a GM long ago?
Yes, I do feel that way at times. I became a GM early, but due to lack of sustained support, I couldn't reach the heights I had aimed for. But I've never lost the fire or the discipline. This recent success shows there's still time to script a strong second phase.
Q: What kind of support has your employer extended?
I'm truly grateful to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). They recognised my talent very early, long before I became a Grandmaster, and offered me a job, which provided much-needed stability during my formative years.
IOCL has consistently supported me in my domestic chess journey, and that backing has been invaluable. While their support has laid a strong foundation, I do hope for extended assistance — especially in terms of international exposure, advanced training, and participation in high-level global tournaments, which are critical at this stage of my career.
Q: What keeps you going?
Chess has been my life since childhood, and I've devoted everything to the game. I've always believed that hard work and results would speak for themselves — and to a large extent, they have. But at the same time, it's disheartening that despite representing India at the Chess Olympiad and bringing home a medal, along with several international achievements over the years, there has been no recognition from the Andhra Pradesh government.
I've seen athletes from sports like badminton and cricket rightfully celebrated — and that's wonderful — but it's hard not to notice how chess, and my efforts in particular, have been overlooked. This isn't just about me personally — it's about how chess, despite India being a global powerhouse in the game, still struggles for institutional support and acknowledgment.
Even at the national level, I feel there's room for much more to be done for chess players who consistently represent the country with pride. Recognition and support shouldn't be selective — they should reflect the merit and dedication of athletes across all sports.
I say this not out of resentment, but out of hope — that someday, chess will get the place and respect it truly deserves in India, and so will those who've dedicated their lives to it.