Young chess talent Roman Shogdzhiev
“I Want to Catch Up With Oro and Overtake Him.” Interview with Shogdzhiev and Roman’s Parents
From time to time, chess produces young talents who begin to attract attention long before their first major victories. They play boldly, think outside the box, and show a level of maturity unusual for their age. Today, many people describe the young chess player Roman Shogdzhiev in exactly those terms.
A phrase he said in one conversation — “I want to catch up with Oro and overtake him” — quickly spread across chess communities. In those words, one can hear not only ambition, but also a sincere desire to grow, learn, and become stronger.
We spoke with Roman himself and his parents about chess, training, dreams, and what life looks like in a family raising a future grandmaster.
The First Steps in Chess
Roman’s story began in a fairly typical way — with a chessboard at home. His parents recall that their son’s interest in the game appeared very early.
At first, it was simply curiosity: the pieces, the rules, attempts to understand how the game worked. But it quickly became clear that chess had truly captured his interest.
According to his parents, Roman could spend long periods sitting at the board, analyzing games and inventing his own combinations. Over time, a hobby turned into a serious passion, and then into a path that demands discipline and constant work.
“I Want to Catch Up With Oro and Overtake Him”
When Roman was asked about his goals, he answered simply and honestly:
“I want to catch up with Oro and overtake him.”
The phrase sounds like a challenge, but Roman himself speaks about it calmly. For him, it is more a benchmark and a source of motivation.
In chess, there are always players others look up to. Sometimes they are world champions, and sometimes they are peers putting up strong results. It is exactly such rivals who make you work harder and keep moving forward.
Roman admits that he closely follows the games of strong young chess players, analyzes their decisions, and tries to learn from the best.
How Training Looks
Today, the training process of a young chess player looks almost like that of a professional.
According to his parents, his daily preparation includes:
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analyzing games by famous grandmasters,
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solving difficult tactical puzzles,
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working with a coach,
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online games and tournament practice.
Sometimes chess takes up several hours a day. But, as Roman himself says, for him it is not an obligation, but a favorite activity.
The Role of the Family
Roman’s parents admit that supporting a child in chess is a job in itself.
It is necessary not only to help with travel to tournaments and training sessions, but also to maintain a balance between chess, school, and ordinary life.
According to them, the main task is not to put pressure on the child, but to support his interest in the game.
They try to make sure that chess remains for their son a joy, not a source of stress.
Tournaments and First Results
Despite his young age, Roman has already taken part in several serious tournaments.
Every competition is a new experience. Sometimes he manages to win, and sometimes he has to face defeats.
But it is tournaments, according to coaches, that help a chess player grow quickly.
They teach:
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how to control emotions,
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how to make decisions under pressure,
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how to fight until the very last move.
Dreams and Plans
When the conversation turns to the future, Roman speaks without unnecessary pathos.
His goal is to become a strong chess player and keep improving.
Of course, like many young players, he dreams of one day competing for the very highest titles. But for now, he is focused on the main thing — learning and playing as much as possible.
Why Stories Like This Matter for Chess
Stories of young talents always inspire the chess community. They remind us that the future of the game is being shaped already today.
Every young player who sits down at the board with the dream of becoming stronger keeps chess alive and evolving.
And perhaps it is among such children that future world champions are growing up.
Conclusion
The phrase “I want to catch up with Oro and overtake him” sounds like a symbol of ambition and belief in one’s own strength.
Roman Shogdzhiev’s story is not just a story about a young chess player. It is a story about family support, perseverance, and love for the game.
And chess loves exactly these kinds of players — those who are ready to take one more step forward every single day.