Solving Puzzles Playing Chess
Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, originally from Uzbekistan, has been on the Mizzou chess team since its founding in 2019, but has been practicing chess since she was 3 years old. Chess in her family is a huge tradition. Her sisters are also professional chess players, motivating her to strive for the same thing and hone her skills here at Mizzou. Back in her home country of Uzbekistan, she won many achievements including being the #1 Women chess player in Uzbekistan. She had her own team and coach, mostly consisting of family members, but she still chose to come to Mizzou when they offered her a scholarship to be on the chess team. Now that she majors in business, she must balance the responsibilities of chess with her new academic life. Being on the chess team requires attending rigorous practices, tournaments, and practicing on your own. However, Begim, as she goes by, holds her own. As one of the few women on the Mizzou chess team, she continuously must prove herself to the chess world that women are equal and worthy opponents. In general, not many women go into professional chess but Begim’s career shows how successful they can be.