The Worldwide Grasp in chess, Vantika Agrawal lately acquired the Arjuna Award, and is now prepping for Prague. However, earlier than that, this is how she’s taking a much-needed break on the vibrant Tulip Competition that is ongoing in Delhi. Soaking in the fantastic thing about the colorful blooms, she shares her reference to Nature, and the way spending time in serene environment helps her preserve her calm throughout traumatic instances, clear her headed, and keep centered.
Chess champ Vantika Agrawal takes a stroll at Shanti Path to soak within the vibrant vibe of the Tulip Competition the place NDMC has reportedly planted greater than fifty thousand bulbs of the flower. (Photographs: Anurag Mehra/HT) PEHLA NASHA VIBE @ SHANTI PATH 
Born and introduced up in Delhi, Vantika Agrawal confesses that this was the first-time ever that she acquired to expertise the Tulip Competition.(Picture: Anurag Mehra/HT)
Born and introduced up in Delhi, Vantika Agrawal confesses that that is the primary time ever that she acquired to expertise the Tulip Competition at Shanti Path. I’ve lived in Delhi all my life but that is my first time on the pageant, and I am so glad I lastly made it, says the alumna of Shri Ram School of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi College.
She provides, “Since the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024 (where she won two gold medals), there has hardly been a moment to catch my breath. But coming here today, it feels like the tulips have taken away all my stress. I feel so refreshed, surrounded by such vibrant colours.”
HITTING RECHARGE WITH NATURE
It isn’t unknown how chess, like some other sport, will be mentally exhausting. “Nature is my hack,” says Vantika, including, “I practice for six to seven hours a day, which can be draining. So, to unwind by strolling in the terrace garden at my home. In fact, I’ve recently started learning gardening… Now that I’ve got a chance to visit this fest, I’m going to take some tulip buds to plant them at my home. Mujhe ab chess mein Grandmaster banna hai toh inn flowers ki beauty se inspire hokar, I feel rejuvenated to work even harder towards my dream.”
CHESS KE SAATH THODA STYLE BHI ZARURI HAI, SAYS MUMMY 
Vantika’s mom, Sangeeta, accompanied the chess champ and stepped-up to be her stylist, too!(Picture: Anurag Mehra/HT)
Dedicated to the sport of chess because the age of seven, the 22-year-old has been lacking out on the standard joys of youth. Therefore seeing the chess champ pose for HT Metropolis, the happiest was her mum, who accompanied her as her stylist! “Main toh isko kehti hun, beta chess ke saath thoda style bhi zaroori hai. I love seeing her enjoy girly things,” says Sangeeta Agrawal, because the dutiful daughter grins and replies, “Even my time at SRCC, DU was mostly spent practising chess at home. Now, maybe I can enjoy fashion a bit, but not too much!”