Hi everyone! My name is Malik Rimzan. I am a sixteen year old chess player from Sri Lanka, and my journey with the game began in 2022. Chess did not enter my life early, even though I always felt a quiet curiosity toward it. For many years, that curiosity never turned into action. I did not find the passion, and I did not receive the motivation I needed. When I finally sat down and truly learned the game, everything changed!

A Late Beginning

As a child, I admired chess from a distance. I respected its depth and the calm confidence of those who played it well, but I never committed myself to learning it. Looking back, I do not regret starting late. Beginning later taught me patience and humility. I did not arrive with expectations or ego. I arrived with genuine interest and a willingness to improve, one position at a time.

Starting in 2022, I learned that chess rewards honesty. It reflects your strengths clearly and exposes your weaknesses without apology. That truth is what drew me in and what continues to keep me grounded!

Learning, Discipline, and the Love of the Game

I am constantly striving to improve at chess. Improvement, to me, is not only about rating or results. It is about understanding my mistakes, thinking more clearly under pressure, and learning to stay composed whether I am winning or losing.

One quote that stays with me is by Emanuel Lasker, who said,
“When you see a good move, look for a better one.”
That mindset defines how I approach both chess and life. There is always room to think deeper and grow further!

Bullet Chess and Balance

I am a very big fan of bullet chess. It is fast, intense, and undeniably addictive. Bullet has taught me intuition, confidence, and the ability to make decisions without fear. At the same time, I understand its limits. I strongly believe that bullet chess helps improvement only when it is balanced with much more standard time controls. Classical and rapid games build understanding, while bullet sharpens instincts. Together, they create a complete player. If my games history makes it look like I am addicted to bullet, just know that I am doing the needful elsewhere

Garry Kasparov once said,
“Chess is mental torture.”
I agree, but I also believe that this pressure is what makes the game beautiful. Learning to think clearly when time is slipping away is a skill that extends far beyond the board!

Chess as a Reflection of Life

Chess has taught me lessons that apply directly to life. Every move has consequences. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Giving up early guarantees failure.

Bobby Fischer captured this perfectly when he said,
“Chess is life.”
In both, success comes from patience, courage, and the willingness to keep going even when the position looks difficult!

Another quote I hold close is from Savielly Tartakower,
“No game is ever won until it is lost.”
It reminds me to stay focused, humble, and resilient.

Representing Sri Lanka with Pride

As a Sri Lankan chess player, I carry a quiet ambition. I want to contribute to bringing Sri Lankan chess into the limelight. I believe there is immense talent here, and with dedication and exposure, our presence in the chess world can grow stronger. My journey is personal, but my goals extend beyond myself!

Closing Thoughts

I am still learning. I am still improving. I am still making mistakes and returning to the board the next day with the same hunger. Chess has given me discipline, perspective, and confidence, and I am grateful that I found it when I did.

MeTooSlow