 For Abhijit Prakash Kunte learning chess might have been a forced move, a move initiated by his parents to give company to his
sister Mrunalini, who was keen to pursue chess and had enrolled at the Phadke chess coaching classes in Pune. But excelling in the game and attaining the coveted GM title has been the most natural move. Totally hooked to the mystical magic of the 64 squares Abhijit has literally stamped his authority in Indian chess.
A hat-trick (winning the National junior thrice, consecutively, Abhijit then went on to win the prestigious National "A". Going great guns in 1997, Abhijit became an IM and won the Asian junior championship thus earning his first IM norm. A sterling
performance in the Calicut GM event in 1998 and Abhijit was richer in terms of a tournament title, a hefty price amount and a GM norm. Thereby winning the GM norms by whiskers in the last couple of years, Abhijit played solidly at the Goodricke meet in Calcutta in February to gain his final GM norm and the third title on a memorable day. The Valentine's day. Caissa, the goddess of chess truly selected an appropriate day to bestow her favour on one of her favourite devotees. Following are the
excerpts of an interview with Abhijit Kunte.Q: A GM now, so where do you go from here?
A: The next destination is a prefix 'super' before the GM title and that means a rating of above 2600.
 What did you think of the 2600 plus GMs who played in India in the
three events of Asian in Udaipur, Goodricke in Calcutta and Commonwealth in Sangli?
Actually most of or rather I should say none of the GMs played up to their potential. They play a lot better chess in Europe where the climatic conditions and favourable food probably makes their game standard high or on second thoughts we do badly in Europe because food is a major problem. London is more like home rather than Spain or Switzerland.
Which players have you admired?
Anand and Kasparov.
Who has encouraged you in pursuing chess as a career?
My parents and, of course, my coaches. Firstly Mohan Phadke and then IM Arun Vaidya.
How long have you been playing chess and at what stage did you think of gunning for the GM title?
About 15 years and it was only after winning the Asian junior in 1997 and achieving my first GM norms that the GM title appeared attractive and I thought that I had good chances.
Do you think that the sudden spurt in chess is beneficial to beginners and established players alike?
Undoubtedly! So many events and achievements are bound to have a
significant impact in terms of publicity which would lead to sponsorship and that means basically big money in chess. Focus has been shifting from cricket and Leander Paes who has been doing well has been able to bag bigger sponsorships, so I don't think chess will lag behind if our players show such outstanding results.
You had a month to think like a GM. How do you plan to go ahead? Any big changes in preparation?
Yes, I have been thinking about it. I feel that my preparation should be concrete in the sense that I should develop variations, tread theory more seriously and of course think seriously about physical exercises. As for the past month I have been just celebrating with food and food.
Any plans of new coaches, may be professional ones from abroad?
It is very difficult and also very expensive. It would be very helpful if coaching camps are conducted for may be more players.
Which of your performances gave you most pleasure?
Winning the closed circuit GM tournament in Calicut.
You have a lot of
interest in Academics. Will it ever supersede your chess interest?
No. Never. Chess will always be my life. I have done my graduation and am studying for my MMS after doing my DBM. I had some vague plans of studying law but have currently shelved it and decided enough of
Academics.
Finally how is life after being a GM in Pune? Are you recognised with so many felicitations being organized?
In many places I am recognised. Even when I go to hotels people ask me for autographs and it does make me feel happy.
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