Indian GM Dronavalli Harika announces birth of first child
Indian GM Dronavalli Harika announced the birth of her first child on Wednesday.
Published : Aug 25, 2022 01:34 IST
Harika was recently seen in action at the Chess Olympiad where she was part of India’s historic bronze-medal winning women’s team. | Photo Credit: SUBRAHMANYAM VV
Indian GM Dronavalli Harika announced the birth of her first child on Wednesday.
“We are blessed with a baby girl. We welcome our little princess to the family - Karteek and Harika,” the 31-year-old Harika said in a Twitter post.
Harika was recently seen in action at the Chess Olympiad that was held in Mamallapuram in Chennai.
She was part of the historic five-member team that clinched India’s first-ever bronze medal in the Women’s Chess Olympiad in early August. “It’s been 18 years since my debut in the Indian women’s chess team at the age of 13, and having played 9 olympiads so far, I always dreamt about being on the podium for Indian women’s team and finally made it this time,” Harika said in a social media post after the win.
The triumph came while she was nine months pregnant.
“It’s more emotional because I made it at 9 months of pregnancy. When I heard about Olympiad being held in India and when my doctor said that it’s possible to play if I stay healthy without any complications... since then my life revolved around making it to Olympiad and winning the medal.
Harika Dronavalli during the Chess Olympiad in early August.
“My every single step has been dedicated to make it possible. No baby showers, no parties, no celebrations, I decided everything will be only after winning the medal. I kept working every single day to make sure that I perform well. I literally lived for this moment from past few months and Yes, I made it. First ever Olympiad medal for Indian Women’s chess team,” Harika said.