50 stories - Katrin Aladjova
25 July 2022 Events and Discussions
Melbourne
Chess Champion
I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. My father inspired my passion for the game of chess at the age of seven. During my chess carrier, I won for Bulgaria two World Chess Champion titles. The first one was in 1986 at the Under-16 World Chess Championship in Rio Gallegos, Argentina and I received the title of International Women’s FIDE master. In 1989, I won my second title at the Under-18 World Chess Championship played in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
In Bulgaria, I was awarded the highest recognition as one of the Country's top 100 Most Famous Sportspeople in the Last Century. My beloved club is Slavia Sofia of which I am a lifelong member. In 1989 I had the honour to be elected by Slavia to become the sportswoman of the year.
I moved to Melbourne in 1990 and by 1992 became an Australian Women’s Chess Champion. One year later I retired as a professional chess player. My passion for the game of chess is demonstrated by my commitment as both a former Honorary President of Chess Victoria (the first woman ever to hold this title), and my continuing support as an Ambassador, Board member and Secretary to Chess Victoria. I am also an Ambassador for the Victorian Government Vision for Language Education and Love of Language program. My free time is devoted to charities and not-for-profit enterprises.
My motto and the slogan of all chess players around the world is: "Gens una sumus" “We are one Family”!
The story is from the book “Bulgarians in Melbourne” (2017) from Radost Racheva, who is also author of the photographs, provided pro bono for the project.
Катрин Аладжова