Page 9 - BPCL Magazine_Vol 3_Issue 3

Gopal G Narayanan Venkatesh M R
Mastering the Quiet Game with Purpose and Precision A Life of Quiet Mastery, Forged Over Time
For Gopal G Narayanan, chess began not with ambition, Some fall in love with chess in a single moment. For
but with quiet observation. Watching his elder brother play Venkatesh M R, the journey was slower, deeper. At the
with their father, the game’s rhythm, calm yet calculated, age of 8, the pieces were just pieces. But as the moves
called to him. What started as a pastime quickly became a multiplied, so did his fascination. The breakthrough came
deep-rooted passion. And by 2004, after his victory at the when he won his first national title in the Under-10 category
National Junior Championship in Tirupati, Gopal realized and earned a spot at the World Youth Championship
that chess wasn’t just a game, it was his path. in Brazil in 1995. A bronze medal and a handshake from
former world champion Anatoly Karpov later, Venkatesh
What sets Gopal apart is not just his accomplishments, but
knew this wasn’t just a game anymore.
the manner in which he has built his life around balance
and intentionality. Currently serving as Manager (Sports) His preparation is silent, methodical. He spends hours
in the Kerala State Office of BPCL, he finds himself at the studying his own games, dissecting opponents’ openings,
rare intersection of sporting excellence and professional refining his mental frame. For him, it’s a full-circle process
responsibility. Despite the demands of his designation, he that includes routine, food, rest, and mindset. “Chess isn’t
remains an active player, spending hours in preparation, something you switch on. It needs presence. It needs
practice, and tournament play. respect.”
To sustain energy across five-to-six-hour matches, Pressure is part of the game, but composure is earned.
Gopal prioritizes physical fitness just as much as opening While chasing his Grandmaster norms, he often found
preparation. Daily cardio routines, regular meditation, and himself just one step away, only to fall short due to
a deep respect for discipline form the foundation of his overexcitement or nerves. “I had to learn to let go of that
training. “Chess is physical in ways people don’t realise,” he pressure. When I did, things began to click.” That mindset
says. “If your body is tired, your mind can’t think straight.” shift eventually led him to the Grandmaster title.
He finds inspiration not only in the brilliance of Magnus Over the years, Venkatesh has come to embody quiet
Carlsen, but also in the beauty of sacrifice, both on and off consistency. Whether it’s winning state championships
the board. And when he steps away from the game, you’ll or representing the country internationally, his focus
find him engrossed in thrillers or humming along to Hindi has never shifted from growth and learning. The journey
melodies. has come with its share of sacrifices, social gatherings
missed, comfort traded for commitment, but it’s those
For Gopal, chess is less about being ahead of the opponent,
very moments that have built his resilience.
and more about being ahead of oneself. “BPCL has stood
behind me since I became an International Master. That At BPCL, he found not just a job, but a support system. The
kind of trust is rare. It helps you focus on doing your best, structured environment, coupled with the belief shown in
because you know you’re not alone.” him, gave him the confidence to chase bigger dreams.
“From the moment I joined, my seniors have believed in
me. That’s rare. It’s motivating.”

Vol-3 | Issue-3 | July-August-September 2025 | 9