Goa, June 24 -- Team Herald

sports@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21, Akanksha Ulhas Desai discovered a new passion - chess. What began as a casual interest while accompanying her daughter to chess tournaments, soon blossomed into a dedicated pursuit of the game.

Within a remarkably short period, she not only honed her skills but also began participating actively in both State-level and All-India Civil Services Chess Tournaments.

Her breakthrough came in the State Civil Services Chess Tournament 2022-23, held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Margao, where she competed in the open category alongside the men's team and earned selection to represent Goa. This achievement marked...