Rucha Pujari awarded Women Fide Master title

Kolhapur, Aug 19 (UNI) Under-10 girls Asian champion Rucha Pujari from Kolhapur has been awarded the ''Women Fide Master (WFM)'' title by the World Chess Federation, according to the Kolhapur District Chess Association.

The Association, in a press release here, said Rucha has been communicated about this by the World Chess Federation through the Indian Chess Federation.

Rucha is the first and the youngest WFM from Maharashtra, the release said and added the title is awarded to men and women for their performance in olympiads, world youth championships, and continental youth championships.

Rucha has received the title on the basis of her performance in Asian Youth Chamionship at Singapore in December 2004 where she got gold medal in the Under-10 girls category. Guidance from her coach Bharat Chougule and International Master Anup Deshmukh played a major role in Rucha's success.

Rucha also received encouragement from former Maharashtra Health Minister Digvijay Khanvilkar and Kolhapur Chess Association officials, the release added.

UNI BBK MAZ DH RN2035