Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman is the best woman chess player in India. She was born on March 27, 1979 in Tamil Nadu. She shot to prominence at the age of 10 when she began playing at the national level. In her sporting career she has been crowned by each and every chess title and has established several national records.
Vijayalakshmi became an international woman master in the 1996 F.I.D.E. Zonals at Chennai. Since then she has won 20 national tides and has represented India in more than 30 international tournaments. Her most memorable performance was against the Russian G.M Mikhai Kobalia in the Anibal Open, Linares, 1998.
Vijayalakshmi, also known as Viji, was selected to lead the Indian women’s team at the 35th Chess Olympiad held at Bled in Slovenia. After playing 13 games for the team, she collected 9.5 points and won an individual silver medal. A trendsetter in women’s chess, she has also defeated several national men’s champions.