PANAJI: Goa’s Nitish Belurkar has shared his happiness at the progress achieved over the last few months in Hungary and the International Master has also stressed that he is determined to fuel the pursuit of Grandmaster title.
“It was a great feeling to complete my IM title and also make my maiden GM norm. I was playing a tournament after 20 months and the Covid lockdown had me preparing a lot and was determined to get to the IM title as soon as I got back. I prepared a lot during the lockdown and worked on areas I felt I had to improve a lot. I was well prepared after such a long break from chess and all I had to do was execute my plans. I went there with a high level of belief in my abilities. This was vital as I did not doubt myself at any point of the trip, I was always ready to strike and unlocked my potential at which I believed I could play at. This helped me get to my IM title with comfort and then I was ready for more. The very next tournament after I got my IM title I achieved my GM norm. I was very happy with my games in that tournament. The feeling was great when I got my 1st GM norm and was even happier with my games, and am looking to continue with the momentum,” Nitish told livenewsgoa.com after his arrival in Goa on Christmas Day.
It can be recalled that Nitish achieved the IM title in ‘First Saturday’ GM Round Robin Chess tournament in Budapest, when he touched ELO rating of 2400. Nitish had already achieved 4 IM norms, one more than the required 3 IM norms. Immediately in the next tournament, i.e. the Vezerkepzo GM round robin tournament, Nitish was in great form as he remained unbeaten to win the top prize and also achieved the 1st GM norm.
The Geno Pharmaceuticals brand ambassador, Nitish now needs 2 GM norms and ELO rating of 2500 to achieve the GM Title . At present, he has an ELO rating of 2447.
Goa Chess Association accorded a warm welcome to Nitish at Dabolim airport with treasurer Kishor Bandekar, founder secretary Pundalik Naik, coopted member Balakrishna V, MTCA secretary Datta Kambli, MTCA member Atchut Naik, TTCA and Queens Club members – Sarika Chopdekar and Teja Hadkonkar, players WCM Gunjal Chopdekar and Tanvi Hadkonkar; Nitish’s parents Dr. Roopa and Sanjay Belurkar; welcoming one of Goa’s brightest chess players, Nitish.
