From Rajahmundry Rook to Global Chess Queen: INK Fellow Sandhya Goli’s Dream

In the bustling heart of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, a young mind dreamt of knights and checkmates. At 13, Sandhya Goli was a chess prodigy with aspirations of becoming a Woman Chess Grandmaster. Her inspiration? A mother—whose education was cut short by marriage at 14—and her silent vow to give her daughter every opportunity to fulfill her dreams. Her guiding light? A father, a Deputy Jailor, who championed respect on and off the board.

Chess, however, is a formidable and expensive opponent. For years, Sandhya has diligently worked to support her dream by giving online chess lessons and hosting chess clubs in her own home, for children from low-income families. Often working 18-hour days to make time for her own practice, Sandhya’s journey has been challenging, with limited resources constraining her growth. The lack of consistent sponsorship has meant she could only participate in tournaments once a year, balancing her time between coaching, practice, and tournament participation.

In 2016, Sandhya won an INK Fellowship and discovered the magic of the INK community. INKsters opened their homes and cheque books for her as she traveled abroad, providing invaluable support. Sandhya’s triumphs since then mirror her dedication: she won the Sri Lankan Open Championship (2013), World Open Mixed Doubles and Millionaire Chess Open Mixed Doubles titles (2014), a coveted Silver in the World Women’s Amateur Championship in Greece (2015), and a collection of medals—three Golds, a Silver, and a Bronze—at the Asian Women’s Amateur Championship (2016-2019). Sandhya also earned a Silver at the World Women’s Amateur Chess Championships in Mexico (2019) and tied for first place in the US Women’s Open. Today, Sandhya is a Woman Candidate Master, a title given by the World Chess Federation in 2022.

Despite numerous challenges and the impact of irregular tournament experience over the past three years, she remains determined to bounce back stronger. “I am not worried about the results because I can feel the improvement in my game,” she says.

Sandhya’s vision extends beyond the next move. “One day,” says Sandhya, “I will open a chess academy for children from low-income families.” This dream stems from her own experience that with greater financial stability, she could focus entirely on her sport and potentially be further along in her journey to becoming a Grandmaster.

Here’s where you join the game.
Sandhya’s journey is an inspiring gambit, proving that dreams can conquer limitations. By supporting her, you’re not just investing in a prodigy; you’re empowering a champion who aspires to inspire future generations.

Become a knight in her quest.