IM Manon Reja Neer has been the standout performer in Bangladesh's otherwise lacklustre chess scene in 2024. The 15-year-old not only claimed the national chess championship but also became the country's youngest International Master. Currently in New York for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, Neer spoke to The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman about his stellar year, challenges, and future aspirations. The excerpts of the interview are as follows:

The Daily Star (DS): How was the year 2024 for you as a chess player?

Manon Reja Neer (MRN): The year 2024 has been the best year for me. Achieving the IM title and winning the National Chess Championship was a dream come true… I had nothing in 2023; there were no IM norms, and I only had 2200 rating points. But in 2024, I crossed 2400 rating points and secured all three norms needed to become an International Master.

DS: Were you satisfied with participating in 18 FIDE-recognised tournaments at home and abroad in 2024, playing nearly 200 matches, given players often highlight a lack of opportunities?

MRN: I was very satisfied with playing all those tournaments because I performed well overall... I think playing 18 to 20 local and international tournaments each year is good enough to create opportunities and achieve targets.

DS: Did you notice any weaknesses in your gameplay during the year?

MRN: I think everything, except handling mental pressure, was in the right place. For instance, I needed only a draw in one match to secure a GM norm, and in another instance, I needed a win, but I couldn't hold my nerve. That's how I missed out on two GM norms.

DS: You faced several Grandmasters in 2024, winning six matches and drawing ten. Any memorable moments from these games?

MRN: I think my best win was against Israel's Grandmaster Ido Gorshtein, who had a rating of maybe 2560 or 2570 (actually 2543). I believe I can achieve good results against anyone if I perform well.

DS: How do you view the overall condition of the country's chess in 2024?

MRN: Actually, I don't know much about it. I've always travelled abroad at my own cost or through sponsorships to play in overseas tournaments. Other players performed well, but there were no notable achievements except my IM title.

DS: Did you experience any disappointments in 2024?

MRN: Missing out on two GM norms was definitely sad, and the departure of Zia sir [GM Ziaur Rahman] was unfortunate for all of us.

DS: What are your expectations from the newly appointed ad-hoc committee?

MRN: I don't have any expectations from committees because I've lost faith in them. However, I do hope the new committee will organise training for promising players, send them abroad for overseas tournaments, and hold all local tournaments on time.

DS: Any specific goals for 2025?

MRN: I don't have specific targets because what will happen, will happen. However, I'll try to give my best, which you could say is my target for 2025. I haven't set a target for securing GM norms either, as I believe that if I perform well throughout the year, the norms will come automatically.

DS: What's your evaluation of Indian GM Gukesh Dommaraju, who became world champion at just 18?

MRN: He didn't become champion by chance… There has been tremendous support for chess in India, and he benefitted from that. Of course, he's a talented player, which is why he became world champion. If I also receive financial support or sponsorships, I believe I can aim for such achievements.

DS: What are your expectations at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships?

MRN: My only expectation is to perform well -- nothing else.