Almost ten years have passed since the death of Elisabeta Polihroniade, one of the greatest chess players in Romanian history and a symbolic figure in world chess. Born on April 24, 1935, in Bucharest, Elisabeta was more than a champion — she was a true intellectual, a woman who lived with grace, discretion, and an unshakable passion for the game of the mind.

The first steps of a brilliant mind

Although she came from a family with a strong medical tradition, young Elisabeta chose a different path from the one her parents had envisioned. Instead of studying Medicine, she enrolled in the Faculty of Philosophy, Journalism Department. In an interview with România Liberă, she looked back with serenity at that decision:

“I knew I couldn’t play high-level chess and at the same time practice a demanding profession like medicine. After graduating, I was assigned to work at Romanian Television, where I stayed until my retirement. Time proved I had made the right choice, because I managed to build two successful careers — as a journalist and as a chess player.”

Her passion for chess emerged early, during her teenage years. Elisabeta often spent time with boys who loved the game, and curiosity pushed her to understand its logic and beauty. She enrolled in classes at the Palace of Pioneers in Bucharest, a place where many young people discovered their passion for strategy and competition.

Her determination quickly set her apart. At just 19, Elisabeta Polihroniade achieved her first major success — third place in Romania’s National Women’s Championship. From that moment, her star began to shine brightly in the world of chess.

A legendary career in world chess

Elisabeta Polihroniade became an International Master in 1960 and earned the title of International Grandmaster in 1982 — recognition that confirmed her place among the elite of world chess. Her record is remarkable: seven-time national champion of Romania (in 1966, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976, and 1977), participant in over 150 international tournaments, and winner of nine Olympic medals.

Throughout her career, Elisabeta took part in ten Chess Olympiads as a player and another eight as an international arbiter. She officiated at more than 60 World and European Championships — a testament to the respect and admiration she commanded in the international chess community.

In 1967, she received the “Sports Merit Order” from the Romanian state, and in 2000, she was awarded the “Faithful Service” National Medal. In 1999, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) granted her an Honorary Diploma and inscribed her name in its “Golden Book,” honoring a lifetime of dedication to the art of strategic thinking.

But Elisabeta Polihroniade’s contributions went beyond her competitive achievements. She was the director of the chess magazine Gambit, vice president of the International School Chess Union, and a passionate advocate for promoting chess among young people. 

As a journalist and author, she published several books aimed at making the game accessible to all: “The Olympiads in Black and White”, “First Steps in Chess”, “Chess for Everyone”, and “64 Beauty Prizes in Chess”.

Between passion, discretion, and sorrow

On a personal level, Elisabeta Polihroniade was a discreet and private woman who preferred to let her work speak for itself. She rarely spoke about her life outside chess, and the few details that emerged painted the picture of a woman of great dignity and depth.

It is known that she was married, and her husband’s name, Polihroniade — of Greek origin — means “many years.” Yet behind that poetic name lay deep personal sorrow. In a rare confession, she revealed that she had lost a daughter — a tragedy she never discussed publicly in detail. She chose instead to live with her grief quietly, shielded by her characteristic poise and composure.

“Chess never made me suffer — it was my great love until the end,” she once said. Despite all hardships, she remained faithful to the chessboard, finding in it balance, peace, and meaning.

She lived a modest life, yet one rich in experiences and wisdom. “The greatest wealth I’ve accumulated,” she confessed, “is that I had the opportunity to see the world. I have been to 66 countries on all continents — a privilege very few people have in life.”

An ambassador of Romanian intellect and culture

Elisabeta Polihroniade was not only an exceptional athlete but also a true ambassador of Romanian intelligence and culture abroad. With her elegance, thoughtful speech, and intellectual presence, she projected a refined image of Romania wherever she went.

Those who met her recall her calm and precision — qualities that defined her both on and off the chessboard. She combined the logic and strategy of a great thinker with the sensitivity of an artist. It is no coincidence that she was also a member of the Romanian Writers’ Union.

At Romanian Television, where she worked for decades, Elisabeta was a respected figure. Through her shows and reports, she played a key role in popularizing chess during a time when the sport was seen as a true art of the mind. For many young people in the 1970s and 1980s, seeing Elisabeta Polihroniade on TV was inspiring — she embodied elegance, intelligence, and perseverance.

The legacy of a queen

After a lifetime devoted to competition, education, and journalism, Elisabeta Polihroniade passed away on January 23, 2016, at the age of 80, after a long illness. She was laid to rest at Cernica Cemetery, among many other great Romanian cultural figures.

Her death left a deep void in the global chess community. The Romanian Chess Federation, FIDE, and numerous clubs around the world paid tribute to her memory, emphasizing not only her extraordinary results but also her tireless efforts to promote chess as an educational and cultural discipline.

Today, nearly a decade later, Elisabeta Polihroniade remains a revered name in Romanian chess. Her memory lives on through tournaments and events dedicated to her legacy, and her life continues to inspire new generations of players.

More than an athlete, Elisabeta was a symbol of balance between intellect and sensitivity, between strength and grace. She demonstrated that chess is not merely a contest between two minds, but an art of patience, depth, and respect.

A life lived in black and white, but full of color

The story of Elisabeta Polihroniade is one of courage, determination, and unwavering passion. Born in Bucharest — the city that shaped her — she became the queen of Romanian chess, a model of intelligence and perseverance.

She understood that life, much like a chess game, demands patience, strategy, and the courage to take risks when everything seems lost. In hardship, she did not complain — she planned her next move. In pain, she found dignity. And in front of the world, she smiled modestly, aware that the greatest victories are won first in the mind.

Elisabeta Polihroniade was not only a grandmaster of chess — she was a grandmaster of life. Her spiritual legacy remains an enduring example for all who believe that passion, intellect, and elegance can turn even the most difficult path into a luminous story.

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