Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 18: Arushi Severin Helen D'Silva, a student of St Aloysius Pre-University College, has cemented her status as a rising star in the world of Chess by emerging as the Karnataka State Under-19 Girls Chess Champion. This significant victory was achieved at the Karnataka State FIDE-Rated Under-19 Girls Open Chess Championship 2026, held in Kalaburagi, where she demonstrated exceptional skill to score 8 points across 9 rounds.
A series of impressive milestones and consistent excellence mark Arushi’s competitive journey. She recently achieved a significant international chess breakthrough by crossing the 2000 FIDE rating mark, reaching a peak rating of 2008, and earning the prestigious Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title. Her prowess was further highlighted earlier in 2026 when she finished as the runner-up at the 2nd Chess FIDE-Rated Rapid Tournament in Shivamogga with a score of 8/9. Recognized for her aggressive tactical style of play, she has consistently secured top-three finishes in various state-level age categories.
The foundation of Arushi's success lies in a combination of familial support, rigorous discipline, and expert mentorship. She was first introduced to the game by her father Anand D’Silva, who recognized her burgeoning talent and facilitated her training at Derricks Chess School. Arushi credits her elder sister, Anu D’Silva, as her greatest source of encouragement and her mother, Rita D’Souza, as her unwavering emotional anchor, whose constant support, nurturing, and encouragement have helped her pursue her academic commitments and chess ambitions with confidence. Currently, she navigates the demands of her academic life alongside her chess ambitions, benefiting from the support of her teachers and friends at the college.
Looking toward the future, Arushi remains focused on her evolution as a competitive player under the guidance of her coaches, IM Sharan Rao and WGM Isha Sharma. She has set her sights on achieving the titles of Woman International Master or Woman Grandmaster and is actively planning to compete at the international level later this year. Her remarkable perseverance and dedication continue to make Mangaluru and St Aloysius Pre-University College proud, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes who strive to turn their dreams into reality through consistent effort.