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Interview with Harika Dronavalli |
 Dear Harika, as I know, it’s not your first visit to Armenia. Moreover, our people perceive you as a close person. How much did you manage to know our people and traditions? Do you find something common between Armenia and India?
Yes, I have been in Armenia for three times previously. I have been playing for Mika (Armenia) team in European Club Cups for the last four years and in all these years Armenian team has become very close to me and we are all good friends now.
During your school years you introduced yourself in World and Asian youth tournaments for several times. Which youth tournament do you remember most and what does it relate to?
I would say my World U-14 title in 2004 was very precious for me, as it was my first world title. It was very important, because I was very close to the World U-10 title from 2000 to 2003. I had to satisfy myself with silver medals and after continuous efforts I achieved the title in 2004.
Which year do you consider luckiest in your chess career, and what does it relate to?
I can’t specify a year as every year has its ups and downs and there are many special moments in the whole chess career starting from national championships and ending with the World Championship. So I can’t separate a specific year.
Tell me, please, what would you identify as the most important traits of character, besides talent, to become a high level chess player? What characteristic features would you like to change in yourself?
Besides talent, I feel there are more important things if you want to become a good player, like hard-working, being determined to achieve an interest in chess, receiving support from family, friends, coach, etc. I would like to change my attitude towards game, as in general life I am a little soft and I have simple and smooth life. It reflects on my games too, with simple, solid chess and many draws. So it would be great if I could change my attitude and try to play my best chess games by making things a little complicated for me and for my opponents as well. |
