Nelunika Anula Vidyalaya’s glittering chess star
Nelunika Methmani of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda came third in group 3.2 of the Open Chess Championship, organized by the Sri Lanka Chess Federation for countries in the Asian region, which was held in Sri Lanka from February 3 to 8.
She was also named the Women’s International Master at this tournament.
During 2009 and 2012, she represented Sri Lanka on consecutive occasions at the Asian Schools Chess Championships and in 2010 she secured an international ranking.
She has participated in international chess tournaments organized by the Sri Lanka Chess Federation on many occasions and has won the joint championship in addition to claiming second and third place finishes. In 2011, she competed in the National Women’s Chess Championship and came eighth.
She started her chess career when she was in grade 2 and so far, she has participated in many Chess tournaments held overseas. In 2011, she represented Sri Lanka at the seventh Asian Schools Chess Championship held in New Delhi, India and won a silver medal in the team event. In May 2012, she won gold in the Under 15 women’s Express Chess at the eighth World Schools Chess Championship held in Romania.
She is a multi- talented student, who also shines in basketball and swimming. She clinched a merit award at the International Art Competition, which was held in Korea.
She had to bear all the expenses for two tours to India to participate in the Asian Schools Championship and to Romania to participate in the World Schools Chess Championship. Now she aims to participate in the World Schools Chess Championship to be held in Greece in May.
However; her participation will not be possible without sponsorship. Even at present, she has to face many financial difficulties and does not have a sponsor.
The total cost for this tour will be at least Rs. 200,000. Well- wishers may contact Nelunika’s mother on 071 4918651 to extend the financial support needed to help her participate in this world championship.
Sujitha Miranda