In the shimmering corridors of Indian chess, a new name is making waves—Gorli Nyna, a prodigy from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, who recently clinched the Silver Medal in the U-15 Girls category at the 13th National School Chess Championship 2025 held in Peddapuram. Nyna’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, all within a short but impactful span of six years.
Born on June 14, 2011, Nyna’s tryst with chess began in 2019 when she was just eight years old. Inspired by her neighbor, WGM Sahiti Varshini, who represented India at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, Nyna’s parents sought guidance from Sahiti’s father, Mr. Lokesh, who, despite not being a professional coach by that time, laid the foundation of her chess journey. This humble beginning soon bore fruit as Nyna achieved her first FIDE rating in the same year, a rare accomplishment for someone so young. Her debut success at the 9th National Schools Chess Championship 2019, where she won a bronze medal in the U-8 Girls category, further cemented her family's belief in her potential.
A Meteoric Rise in Chess
Over the years, Nyna’s ascent in the chess world has been nothing short of spectacular. She has accumulated a treasure trove of accolades, including international and national laurels:
- 2023: Team Gold Medals in Classical and Rapid formats at the Asian Youth Chess Championships in UAE.
- 2024: A Bronze Medal at the DINI International Grandmasters Chess Championship in Sri Lanka.
- National Triumphs: Multiple podium finishes, including Silver Medals at the MPL Nationals in U-11 Girls (2022) and a 7th place finish in U-13 Nationals (2023).
Her recent performance at the National School Chess Championship 2025 has been a turning point. Competing in the higher U-15 Girls category, Nyna showcased her trademark attacking gameplay, blending innovative strategies with calculated risks to secure the silver medal.
Challenges and Sacrifices
Behind Nyna’s achievements lies a story of dedication and sacrifice. Her father, Shri G. Bangarraju, an employee of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, often had to exhaust his leaves and take unpaid days off to accompany his daughter to tournaments across India and abroad. Her mother, Smt. G. Devi, a homemaker with a postgraduate degree, took on the role of Nyna’s academic guide, ensuring her education remained on track despite her rigorous chess schedule.
Switching schools was another bold decision made by her parents to support her chess career. Currently studying in 9th grade at Chalapathi Public School, Gajuwaka, Nyna dedicates hours to self-practice on the computer, with minimal professional coaching. Her training came from Mr. Aravind (Karnataka) and local players like Mr. Nikhil from Visakhapatnam. Despite facing setbacks, such as her performance in the Durgapur U-13 Nationals, her parents’ renewed confidence following her stellar performance in the Peddapuram Nationals signals their unwavering support for her dual pursuits of education and chess.
A Bright Future Awaits
Nyna’s aggressive playing style and innovative strategic moves have already drawn praise from chess analysts. Her family dreams not just of age-group medals but of seeing her become a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and a proud representative of Andhra Pradesh and India on the global stage. While many suggest venturing into European rating circuits to boost her FIDE rating, her parents remain committed to building her skills in Indian tournaments, which they believe offer a more grounded and challenging experience.
A Role Model in the Making
In a chess career that spans just six years, Nyna has already become an inspiration for young players. Her disciplined approach, combined with her family’s unwavering support, paints a picture of resilience and determination. As she continues to train and compete, Nyna is poised to etch her name among the legends of Indian chess.
With her eyes set on the title of Woman Grandmaster, Gorli Nyna’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the indomitable spirit of a young girl who dared to conquer the chessboard. The nation watches with pride and anticipation as this rising star charts her path to greatness.
Story by KV