Chess not a challenge for daughter of poor farmer

Jasmine, Class X student, came from a Bathinda village to participate in chess today. When The Tribune interacted with her, she had already won the first round of the match. Daughter of a marginal farmer and anganwadi helper, Jasmine said she was in Class V when she developed interest in chess after her teacher introduced her to the game.

"Now I learn everything online. I don't take professional coaching as there are financial challenges as well but, I ensure that I learn it free of cost online," she told The Tribune.

She also expressed her wish that she wanted to pursue LLB and become a lawyer. "I would also like to continue playing chess. But, there are times when I see my family struggle as they are under heavy loans and that really hurts," she further said. Jasmine said her father does contract farming and doesn't have fields of his own.