Ladies Knight, March 2022: WIM Anastasiya Rakhmangulova

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https://content.blubrry.com/ladiesknight/Ladies_Knight-Ep_40_March_2022.mp3

This month, Jennifer Shahade welcomes Woman International Master and former Ukrainian Champion Anastasiya Rakhmangulova to the Ladies Knight podcast. Jennifer first heard about Anastasia, who goes by “Nastia," in the 2020 Isolated Queens tournament, an online event hosted by Jen and Alexandra Botez at the start of the pandemic.

Almost two years later, Nastia began updating her Instagram followers about the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. These updates began with a harrowing week-long stay in a Kiev bomb shelter, followed by her subsequent escape to the Czech Republic. Ever since, Anastasia has been connecting people and fundraising urgently to help friends, family, and servicemembers in Ukraine.

Jen and Nastia also touch on lighter topics, such as her favorite chess players, books, and future chess goals.

Follow Nastia on Instagram and contribute to her Ukraine relief efforts here.

[Correction from the discussion: The Ukrainian women’s team won the 2006 Olympiad, not the 2008 Olympiad, which was won by Georgia.]

Thanks to everyone who donated to the fundraiser for Ukraine relief hosted by US Chess and the Kasparov Chess Foundation. In total, the efforts of our communities raised more than $33,000.

“Ladies Knight” is a monthly US Chess podcast hosted by WGM Jennifer Shahade, two-time US Women’s Chess Champion, featuring female chess champions and leaders. Jennifer Shahade is the Women’s Program director at US Chess. Find out more about the program and the Women’s Initiative at uschesswomen.org, where you can make a donation.

Listen to the whole family of US Chess podcasts at https://new.uschess.org/podcasts or through the links below.