A. Rameshbabu’s children Vaishali and Prag Gnanandhaa are giving him sleepless nights. Vaishali, 11, and Prag, 7, are so good at chess that they keep winning titles at state, national and international levels.

Rameshbabu doesn’t know where to keep the flood of trophies his whizz kids bring home. The proud father is in dire need of space at his Padi house to showcase his children’s gripping success story in the mind game.

Vaishali and Prag are the hottest chess siblings in the country at the moment. The brother-sister duo has been enjoying a dream run of late. Vaishali scooped the Asian U-12 title in Colombo in June. Not to be outdone, Prag matched his elder sister move for move by winning the U-8 title at the Sri Lankan capital.

Two participants from the same family may not be uncommon in chess but two titles in one tournament going to the same household is rare. The All-India Chess Federation has given a pride of place to the siblings on its website under the title, “Two champions in one family.”

Vaishali is thrilled to have shot down a landmark gold medal. “The success in the Asian championship tasted sweeter because it was my first international title,” she said.

True to his age, Prag is restless and mischievous. A fruitful conversation with him wasn’t possible but he bowled this correspondent over by saying, “my name is difficult to spell; I will write it down for you.” After clearly jotting down his tongue-twisting name, Prag said, “I have five As.”

Is he an A-class boy then? “No, no, I’m in second standard ‘G’, not ‘A’ section,” he replied. Prag, who is the youngest rated player in the country, doesn’t even know what he has achieved. His mother Nagalakshmi says only thing in the world that can make him sit down quietly is a chess board.

Both Vaishali and Prag are exceptional at studies too. Their success in school is a pointer to the fact that chess players are never found wanting in academics.

Rameshbabu and Nagalakshmi ensure that their children enjoy playing chess. “Results are secondary. I just want my kids to give their best in whatever they do. Nobody had played chess competitively in our family. I put Vaishali in chess class only to help her learn something interesting. I never thought she would become a continental champion,” Rameshbabu said.

Nagalakshmi said her husband is particular that Vaishali and Prag aren’t disheartened by failures. “Winning and losing are part of the game. I have seen parents fretting over their children’s results. We are determined to let our kids play their natural game without worrying about titles and ranking points,” she said.

Vaishali and Prag followed up their Asian conquests with national titles. The sister sewed up the U-11 title in Jamshedpur and the brother pocketed the U-7 title in Puducherry. Both had finished second in their respective age groups at the national championship last year.

Vaishali, a six-time state champion, said she was relieved to win the national title. “Having won an international crown, I thought it was about time I claimed national honours,” she added.

The youngster, who recharges her batteries by watching Tamil comedy channels, has already set her sights on becoming a grandmaster. Sky is the limit for the supremely talented and fiercely driven girl.

Vaishali doesn’t have to step out of her house to find a sparring partner, as the Asian U-12 champion can take on the Asian U-8 champion any time she wants. But Prag chimes in, “I can’t play chess with my sister without fighting.”

Chess whizz kids have no sponsors

Chess is one of the simplest recreational sports. But a lot of money is needed to play chess competitively. From coaching to buying a computer and chess books, everything comes with a price. Chess is even more expensive at the international level as flight charges and hotel accommodation put a lot of strain on the wallet.

Vaishali and Prag are fortunate to have their parents’ whole-hearted support. It is, however, not easy for Rameshbabu to fund his children’s foreign trips on his own. The TNSC Bank employee is the sole earning member of his family and he is going through a lot of hardships to send his kids to international tournaments.

When the financial burden of supporting one child is daunting, Rameshbabu has to take care of two. He has no choice, as both Vaishali and Prag are outstanding talent. Prag is only seven years old, so his mother Nagalakshmi has to accompany him on foreign tours. That means additional expenses for Rameshbabu.

Velammal School where Vaishali and Prag are studying always lends a helping hand to Rameshbabu. The school encourages so many chess players that one can’t expect it to bankroll the expenses of two individuals. The union sports ministry is also helpful, even though it could do more.

For instance, it has stopped its financial incentive scheme for lower age group chess champions in international competitions. If Vaishali and Prag get Rs 50,000 each for their Asian success, the burden on Rameshbabu would be lessened to an extent.

Money is justifiably being showered on India’s Olympic medallists. Sushil and Co deserve all the accolades and financial rewards coming their way. At the same time, our sportspersons need encouragement during their formative years.

Financial, moral and media support are critical for a budding star. Olympic medal winners aren’t produced overnight. It is high time chess got corporate sponsorship in India.

Rameshbabu, who is affected by polio in one leg, is a spirited man. Even though he grits his teeth and coughs up money somehow for his children’s international exposure, the reality is biting him hard now. For example, by virtue of winning titles at the Asian championship in June both Vaishali and Prag have qualified for the world championship to be held in Slovenia in November.

But Rameshbabu is planning to send only Vaishali to the worlds. “I can’t afford the expenses for Prag’s participation. Prag will go only if he gets sponsorship,” he said with a wry smile.

The brainy siblings are all set for the world youth championship in Slovenia two months later.

Attacking game is Vaishali’s forte. The 11-year-old also has the self-belief that she can win all the events she enters. “I will seal the world U-12 title in Slovenia, even though the competition will be much tougher than the Asian championship,” she said. Confidence separates champions from mere participants.

‘They have talent to become best in business’

Vaishali’s parents credit Bloom Chess Academy coach S. Thyagarajan for the stupendous success of their children. “We have entrusted the careers of Vaishali and Prag in the hands of Thyagarajan. He has made our children champions through his guidance,” Rameshbabu said.

Thyagarajan has no doubts about the potential of the two children.

“Vaishali and Prag have proved that they are among the best in the country. I’m sure they will achieve a lot more in their careers. Their passion for the game is infectious. Both of them are excited about learning new moves every day. I have to compel Vaishali to take a break for lunch. She is ready to go on and on. Without genuine interest, it is not easy to play chess for hours together,” he said.

Thyagarajan is a protégé of Velayudham, who has produced top stars such as J. Saranya and M. Karthikeyan. Velayudham is Bloom Chess Academy’s chief coach.

Thyagarajan said Vaishali’s rating of 1950 is extraordinary for her age.

“Vaishali has done creditably in open tournaments. She got a special prize for her performance at the last Chennai Open, a GM tournament. I’m confident that she will be a GM in three to four years. I believe she will become India’s best. The signs are positive. Not only does Vaishali have natural talent, she is also one of the hardest workers in our academy,” he said.