Where It All Began
Ayansh started playing chess around three years ago, in 2023, when he was six. He was fascinated by the game and started playing it with dedication. His chess improved tremendously, but growing up in a small village meant that opportunities for competitive chess, quality coaching and strong tournaments were scarce. Believing wholeheartedly in his talent, Ayansh's parents moved forward with Ayansh’s chess journey, determined to give him every opportunity to pursue his dreams.
The Difficulties Behind the Journey
Ayansh and his family belong to Jhulnipur village, Nichlaul, Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, a remote area where, after 5:00 PM, there is generally no public transport to the nearest city for coaching or practice. Naturally, their access to experienced coaches, strong tournaments and quality training facilities has also been limited.
While trying to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, managing expenses for his family has been extremely challenging. They have mainly financed Ayansh's chess journey by taking loans and making personal sacrifices. Paying for coaching, travelling from one tournament to another, seeking out stronger competition and, sometimes reshaping an entire family’s life around a child’s potential is the unseen dedication that often lies behind a chess player’s journey. Ayansh's family has tried their best to ensure that any financial constraints do not stop him from participating and flourishing in competitive chess.
The Coaches Behind Ayansh
Over the last three years, Ayansh has been able to receive guidance from several coaches at different stages of his chess journey. Shri C.J. Thomas, who is also a Secretary of the MaharajGanj Chess Association, laid the foundation of Ayansh's chess career. He was Ayansh's first local coach.
After that, he trained with Shri Ayush Saxena from Viansh Chess Academy, Uttar Pradesh and other coaches at Chola Chess Academy, Chennai. Then, Shri Geetesh Mishra, FM Kumar Gaurav, Shri Shahid from Champaram Chess Academy and then Shri Jitendra Sir at Gorakhpur District Chess Association. Training at Chola Chess Academy has been extremely beneficial for Ayansh, but since it is located quite far from his home, it makes regular training challenging because of the travel and financial constraints.
These coaches have been the biggest influences in Ayansh's chess development. A good coach can become the bridge between potential and performance, turning natural talent into a structured and sustainable chess journey.
Apart from the coaches, Ayansh's school has been very supportive and has always cooperated whenever he has needed leave to participate in chess tournaments. This kind of support is instrumental in helping a young chess player, such as Ayansh, to balance both academics and chess.
Achievements
Ayansh is also selected to represent India at the World Under-10 Chess Championship and the Asian Under-10 Chess Championship.
What Lies Ahead
Ayansh's short-term goal is to win a Gold Medal for India at the upcoming World Under-10 Chess Championship and Asian Under-10 Chess Championship. In the long run, he aspires to become a Grandmaster and bring glory to India through chess. Ayansh's journey proves that access and privilege don't necessarily create talent, but they create opportunities for talent to be discovered, developed, and sustained.
How You Can Support Ayansh
Anyone who would like to support Ayansh’s chess journey, or learn more about how they can help with his coaching, travel and tournament expenses, can get in touch with his family using the contact details below.
Primary Contact
Ram Bilas Singh – Father of Ayansh Singh
Phone number: +91 97214 47275
Email ID: rambilass50@gmail.com
Secondary Contact
Pankaj Singh – Cousin of Ayansh Singh
Phone number: +91 85650 43299
Email ID: pankajsingh1996@gmail.com
