India's new Grandmaster, Sriram Jha had no hesitation in shouting from the roof top that his wife Vijayalakshmi 'Viji' Subbaraman, India's first woman Grandmaster, is the inspiration behind his effort and achievement
India's new Grandmaster, Sriram Jha had no hesitation in shouting from the roof top that his wife Vijayalakshmi 'Viji' Subbaraman, India's first woman Grandmaster, is the inspiration behind his effort and achievement.
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Sriram Jha with wife Viji |
As if in salutation, Viji responded by coming out of self imposed exile of more than two years to participate in the recent Chennai International Open. "It was an emotional moment for me to see Sriram becoming a GM. He decided to skip the Chennai International to look after our one-year-old son so that I could compete". This is one chess couple who believes in celebrating love by spurring each other on. They come from very different backgrounds. Sriram, a North Indian is from Delhi while Viji hails from Chennai. It was their love for the chequered board that brought them together. And despite pressure and opposition from family, they triumphed, just as true love can, five years ago.
However, Viji quit chess two years ago and virtually became a recluse after her father's death. All this, after achieving a great deal. Her exploits on the chessboard earned her the title, 'The Woman Terminator.'u00a0
Shocking decision
After completing her norms, she just needed 16 points to become the second Indian woman after Koneru Humpy to be GM. Hence, it was a shock for Indian chess when she quit at 28.u00a0
Jha (33) has been on a roll for the last couple of years, winning tournaments and was at his impressive best when he won the Asian zonal 3.2 to qualify for the World Cup this year. When he became a GM at the Nationals last December, he said: "While Viji made her three GM norms in 2007, I realised that I have to elevate my game.
I am more focused and aggressive now and this has resulted in good performances. " Both lament the lack of time they spend together in a long distance marriage.
Viji moved back to Chennai and is based there for the last two years with son Aryan.
When asked about Valentine's Day plans, Viji responded, "Sriram is in Iran for a tournament. I'm going to miss our romantic dinner and drive this year.
