Page 10 - BPCL Magazine_Vol 3_Issue 3

Vaibhav Suri Abhijeet Gupta
The Discipline of a Prodigy, The Wisdom of a Grown A Global Warrior Still in Love With the Game
Master
Abhijeet Gupta has traveled the world in pursuit of chess.
When you become a Grandmaster at 15, the world sees But ask him what keeps him going, and the answer is still
you as a prodigy. For Vaibhav Suri, that early spotlight beautifully simple: “It’s just the love for the game.” That love
did not blur the path, it sharpened it. Every achievement has powered him through some of the toughest formats,
became a checkpoint, not a finish line. From school most demanding matches, and hardest-earned victories
corridors to international arenas, Vaibhav has remained of his career.
deeply connected to the roots of the game and the clarity
What excites him today is not just the win, it is the mental
it offers.
duel, the unknown variables, the moment a position opens
Among his proudest moments is India’s historic gold and a new idea emerges. “Each game is an event. It is
medal win at the Chess Olympiad 2024 in Budapest. For hard to pick a favorite,” he admits. “But every game leaves
him, it was more than a win, it was a classroom. “The team a mark.”
environment taught me about feedback, perspective, and
Years of high-level play have taught him how to stay
growth. Everyone came in with a different strength. And
mentally sharp, not through shortcuts, but through
that collective spirit made us invincible.”
experience. “You have to grind. That’s how stamina builds.
Vaibhav thrives in sharp positions, often gravitating toward That’s how nerves are strengthened.” He applies the same
the Sicilian Najdorf. But beyond the board, it’s technology philosophy off the board, choosing moments with family,
that keeps him curious. “AI is changing how we learn. From especially his 7-month-old daughter, as a way to stay
AlphaZero to Leela Chess, every evolution has changed grounded and recharged.
our understanding of the game. As a professional, you
Global exposure has shaped him in more ways than one.
must adapt, or risk being outdated.”
“Travel teaches you humility. You meet new players, new
He does not pretend that setbacks do not sting. “Losses styles, and you realize how much more there is to learn.
hurt. But over time, you learn to give it time. And sometimes, It widens your perspective, not just as a player, but as a
a good meal helps more than strategy ever could.” person.”
His association with BPCL began in 2015, and to this day, BPCL has been an essential pillar in his journey. “They
he recalls the warmth and trust he was met with. “They backed me when I had nothing. And that support has
didn’t just hire me, they stood by me. Even during the only grown stronger. It’s rare to find that kind of long-term
rough patches, they created a space where I felt secure belief. I’ll always be grateful.”
and supported.”
And as a firm believer in the power of systems, Abhijeet
To stay disciplined, Vaibhav relies on non-negotiable sees corporate support like BPCL’s as a key contributor to
routines and intentional habits. “Discipline isn’t a India’s sporting growth. “You want to build champions?
punishment, it’s a gift. It makes space for freedom later.” Build systems that support them. BPCL has done that. And
I hope many others follow.”
And while his story started young, Vaibhav believes the
journey is far from over. “Chess is infinite. And I want to
keep learning for as long as I can breathe.”

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