DODA, Aug 17: Jammu Kashmir Lamberdars and Chowkidars Union (JKLCU) has lauded Arushi Kotwal, a talented chess player from Chinta village near Bhaderwah in Doda district, for bringing pride and recognition to Jammu & Kashmir through her achievements at the national and international levels.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah felicitated Arushi Kotwal and congratulated her for her accomplishments in chess. Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had also felicitated the young chess player at Raj Bhavan in recognition of her achievements.
Arushi Kotwal, who aspires to become a Chess Grandmaster, has also been honoured with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her contribution and achievements in chess. Her journey from a village in Doda to national and international chess platforms has emerged as an example of talent, determination and perseverance.
Among her notable achievements, Arushi holds the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title. She won two gold medals in the Under-7 category at the 2011 Asian School Chess Championship, securing both individual and team honours.
She also won a silver medal at the Western Asian Chess Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2018 and finished runner-up in the Under-17 Girls category at the National Schools Chess Championship the same year.
In 2023, Arushi represented Jammu & Kashmir at the 49th National Women Chess Championship and scored 6.5 points. She has also been honoured with the Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Award and a State Award for her achievements in chess.
JKLCU Chairman Mukesh Parihar extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Arushi Kotwal for her remarkable accomplishments. He expressed hope that she would continue her successful journey and achieve her ambition of becoming a Chess Grandmaster.
The JKLCU said Arushi’s achievements reflect the immense potential of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir and serve as an inspiration for aspiring sportspersons across the region.