International Master Sidhant Mohapatra, India

International Master Sidhant Mohapatra

"Winning or losing is not important as long as you enjoy the sport. Be true to yourself and to the game."

Horlicks makes you taller, stronger, sharper but it did something different to him, made him a chess player. Way back in 2004 with a pack of Horlicks he got a chess board for free and that's how he learnt the game. 
He along with his sister learnt the basics from his father. 
Being a mischievous kid it wasn't easy for him to sit at one place but somehow he managed.
After learning the basics he started playing tournaments.
Then he got more interested in the sport and started participating regularly.

After that he got an initial rating of 1996!
And then he went on to win many state level age category tournaments, he even had a podium finish at the nationals. His amazing run continued, he participated in Asian Youth and got a medal there as well. 
Following with a medal at commonwealth.
Now, his life is devoted to chess.

He thinks that chess has given him lot of exposure and friends all over the world.
He says that chess has taught him to be a better person in life. Sometimes things go well on the board and sometimes they don't.
Isn't it true about life as well.