9 Months Pregnant, Still Representing India – The Underrated Heroism of Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli
- Neha Kumari
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
When the world celebrates athletes in their wins, there are other stories that become unnoticed, not because they are less encouraging or they are not inspiring, but because they are too authentic, too candid and too altruistic.
One of these is the story of the Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli.
At a time when most people are on bed rest, she was crowned the flagbearer of country when she presented herself at the 2025 Women's World Chess Cup 9 months pregnant because she made a choice to put patriotism over personal comfort. Her move was not only flamboyant, but also groundbreaking Where are the headlines? Where are the tributes?
The General Behind the Scenes
Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli has always been seen as a source of power in Indian chess. She has added pride to the nation on several occasions after accepting several awards.
However, her success this time was not limited to trophies. It was an act of extreme courage and an ultimate patriotism.
It takes the courage to endure torturous games, think through the head that is also carrying a baby, and play in a world wide scenario like nothing most people could fathom. Harika did not play to entertain herself; she played to represent the flag, the idea of a mother and an athlete can go hand in hand and that they can be equally strong.
Why this should get National press ?
We are in a society where sports take up the front page. More attention should be given to stories like Harika. This is not a sports story all the way. It’s about:
It is the choice of service to her country at a most vulnerable point in her stage of life.
Subverting gender stereotypes of how a woman should or should not act when she is pregnant
Promoting Indian Chess which as a sport does not always get that much publicity.
Harika Dronavalli is not a regular chess player, she is a symbol of an unspoken revolution, not only of how people can think of her as stronger but also how she is challenging the stereotypes of motherhood and duty as a national citizen.
That Applause-Worthy Sacrifice
When most women would think of the pregnancy as a period to downshift, Harika instead decided to carry on with national service, even at the expense of her comfort, health, or even negative public opinion.
It would have been easy to say no. She didn’t. Since in her case, she had not chosen to play for India, it was part of her pride to do it.
And that is what is outstanding about her story. Podiums and medals are easier to cheer on but there is usually no medal given to real heroes. All they do is leave examples--noisy in doing things, mute in rewarding them.
The Reason Why We Should Talk About This
We should alter the way of viewing women in sports stories particularly that of Harika. They are the tales that girls can dream to next, the mothers can feel self-confident and the country can understand that even a nation has its heroes and they are not only of the same shape.
It is not only chess. This is all about grit, resilience and unsurpassed love of the tricolor.
Final Thoughts
Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli did not have to compete.
She would have liked to.
not to fame. Not even to make headlines.
However, in the case of India.
And that is the only reason she is one of the most inspiring Indian athletes ever.
It is time that we say her name and say it louder. Perhaps it is time we came to the realization that a queen does not have to wear a crown at all times all she has to do is get herself her own chessboard.
📅 By News Anek Digital Desk | July 31, 2025
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