What is the biggest obstacle for chess players, especially Asian ones, and what challenges are they facing? Take a pause, sit down, and embark on a reflective drive with her...

1. What do you find as the biggest challenge for chess player nowadays?

I think participating in international tournaments! Especially for Asian players, it is really difficult to get a Schengen visa for international tournaments in Europe, Also the long distance makes the costs very expensive! Also, if talented players do not have supportive federations, it would be impossible for them to participate in world tournaments such as the World Juniors Championships.

2. How do you search for a new chess engagement (clubs, tournaments)?

I usually use Fide calendar

3. What do you think that is the biggest obstacle for improvement in chess?

The geographical location, the federation that does not help the players, and also the high costs of participating in international tournaments, also the situation where the players cannot decide whether they want to go to university and continue their academic life or progress in the chess world Also, many players cannot manage their stress during the tournaments, especially in women, this stress sometimes would be that much annoying for the players that they decides not to play in tournaments anymore.

4. Do you think you can live out of chess (make enough money)?

It also depends on the geographical location. about me, I don't think that chess is enough in Iran, but as you know, there are countries like Uzbekistan in Asia so why not, they can do chess as a full-time job.

5. Beside a chess player, do you have any other role in chess?

I have been working as a chess coach for almost 4 years

6. How would you describe Outpost Chess (tell us from your perspective what are we trying to achieve)

It's great that more chess sites are created, it makes more people curious about chess. Most people don't know chess as a sport or even as art. They think chess is just a game of chance for fun. And I think the Outpost Chess website has been able to introduce itself to many professional players from different countries in a short time! Also, I think it is important that a Woman 'Lena Miladinovic' launch the outpost chess website. It is really inspiring that a person can be a WIM international Arbiter and also a chess photographer and the same person who has her own chess website

7. Feel free to add any comments, answers, concerns about your chess life…

My name is WFM Anousha Mahdian I was born on November 2003. I started chess at the age of 8! I have been a member of the Iranian women's national team since 2017 and I'm also the former champion of Iran. Currently, I have 2 WIM norms.

I was able to win a bronze medal in the World Youth Championship U16 India 2019, also I'm the second runner-up in the Asian Junior Championship U20 Sri Lanka 2021, I were a member of the Iranian national team in the Chennai World Olympiad 2022 and we got bronze medal of category B.

Since 2015, I have won various medals in all age groups in Iran! One of my biggest regrets is that in 2019 when I had 3rd place in World Youth Championship U16 India

Then Corona Pandemic and Quarantine started, I missed all the world and Asian championships, lost so many important tournaments also then after 2 years my rating decreased from 2212 to 2061 that is why I lost all my motivation. I remember in 2021 I decided to go to Serbia for several tournaments in a row with my friend. but our visa was rejected and I lost a lot of money on hotel and tickets)) Also I tried hard to be a part of teams in different leagues but because of quarantine Chess Sponsors were lost, and because of the long-distance costs were high! and now my Rating is not enough anymore!

But I spent a great time with my friends from different countries, we grew up together and I think this is one of the chances that I had in my life and I am grateful for that. Many people in the world can never travel to different countries or have friends from different continents! I hope that if you just started playing chess, you will enjoy the moments you have or could have with your international friends!

Work hard, use the experience of different coaches, and expand your social circle

Good luck, Anousha❤

Thank you Anousha, meet her at Outpost Chess paltform and connect!