CHENNAI: During a recently held quiz competition at a college in Chennai when students were asked who the Indian chess player with the most world titles was, they spontaneously answered Viswanathan Anand. But were surprised to be corrected by the quizmaster who named Jennitha Anto. While Anand has five to his credit, Jennitha surpassed her idol by winning the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) World Individual chess crown for the sixth time in Slovakia last month. Jennitha is now preparing for the FIDE world championships in the UK — scheduled to be held from November 26 to December 4. The 32-year-old from Trichy, affected by polio when she was 3, has never considered her condition to be a deterrent in her pursuit for success. "I found my true calling in chess. I believe every individual must spot their passion and aim at being the best at it," says Jennitha. Jennitha’s feat is lauded by none other than Anand. "I have had the opportunity to meet Jennitha on a couple of occasions, and I found her to be full of life. Her journey is an inspiration for everyone," says Anand. Jennitha’s first moves in chess were initiated by her father G K Irudayaraj. Within a few months of taking it up, Jennitha had won her maiden chess competition in Trichy. "My father had a major role to play in me taking up chess when I was around 10 years old. Over the years, chess has given me an identity. Today, it’s more than just a sport for me," she says. Jennitha quickly climbed the ladder in the sport by first playing against able-bodied opponents before announcing her arrival at the 2007 IPCA World Championships in Poland. "It was my first Worlds and winning silver at that tournament gave me a lot of confidence and self-belief," she recalls. Jennitha’s golden run at the Worlds began with her maiden crown in 2013. From 2013 to 2017, she won five back-to-back world titles. Last year she finished with a bronze. "I fell ill during the tournament in 2018, but this time I was more determined to go for gold," she says. Apart from winning World titles, Jennitha also made India proud last year at the Asian Para Games in Indonesia, winning a gold, silver and two bronze medals. Despite her accomplishments, Jennitha’s perseverance has not wavered. Her practice sessions last for more than six hours a day. She also undergoes physiotherapy sessions to remain in the best possible shape. "Whatever I am today is because of chess. Each time I play, it’s like meditation for me," says Jennitha While success has been a constant companion for her, Jennitha’s has her share of hardships as well. "Not many places in India have ramp facilities which would make entries and exits wheelchair accessible. That’s not all. Chess is a physically demanding sport. Sitting for hours for a match takes a lot out of me but I am happy to have done it for years now," Jennitha says who wants to become a Woman Grandmaster next.