Boosting the chess culture in north east India

by Sagar Shah - 15/12/2017

Chess in India is booming, but it is also true that equitable distribution is difficult for a country which is as huge as India. One of the main tasks of AICF under the leadership of Bharat Singh Chauhan is to bring chess to regions which have not been able to keep up with the rapid pace of development. One of them is the north east region. It is with this intention that some of the best chess minds of India (and one Scottish!) have gathered in Guhawati for a FIDE trainers seminar. Impressions from this truly unique event.

FIDE Trainer Seminar at Guwahati, Assam

42 people from North Eastern states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands have gathered at the Sai centre from 14th-17th of December 2017 for FIDE trainer's seminar and youth chess coaching camp 2017. This seminar is being conducted by Jacob Aagaard, R.B. Ramesh, Vishal Sareen and Lanka Ravi. "Four eminent trainers cannot give a lecture at the same time, so we decided to make the best use of the resources and also simultaneously held a coaching camp for students and Q&A sessions for the parents.", says AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan. 62 young players are being trained here. The program is being funded by the Sports Authority of India.

Welcome Banner at the SAI centre in Guwahati

Since Bharat Singh has assumed the post of Secretary of AICF, a lot more activity is taking place in the north eastern region

It is so nice to see that Government of India is taking keen interest in the game of chess

Jacob Aagaard just completed a four day training camp at Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy in Kolkata. From there he flew directly to Assam.

A dream come true for the north east players. Learning from one of the best chess trainers in the world

That's what it should be like! All engrossed and absorbing everything like a sponge!

The FIDE Trainers seminar being held by IM Vishal Sareen and IM Lanka Ravi. It is obvious that when the quality of trainers in our country improves, so will the quality of their teaching.

Back to classroom!

India's super coach R.B. Ramesh speaks to the parents and clears their doubts regarding improvement in chess

It's truly a bliss to get the advice from a person who has the track record of creating prodigies like Praggnanandhaa and Aravindh Chithambaram!

At the lunch table!

Simple food is served!

Jacob, who is a vegan, is surely happy with what he has been served!

To see personalities like Jacob Aagaard, Ramesh, Vishal Sareen, Lanka Ravi and Bharat Singh Chauhan at the same place trying to help the trainers, parents, and students is an amazing initiative. ChessBase India congratulates AICF for bringing such a positive change in the chess atmosphere in our country.