Bhakti is Goa's first Woman Grandmaster

Bhakti Kulkarni became Goa's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) after the World Chess Federation officially cleared her title at 83rd FIDE Congress in Istanbul.

Bhakti secured three norms, necessary to qualify for the coveted title, through Marienbad Open in Czech Republic in January last year, Asian Junior Girls under-20 at Sri Lanka in June 2011 and Caissa International in Hungary in September last year.

"I am very happy to become Goa's first Woman Grandmaster," an elated Bhakti said.

"It's a dream of every chess player to achieve this feat and I am glad that I could finally do it.

"I will now strive hard to achieve IM (International Master) and IGM (International Grandmaster) titles," Bhakti said.