The Big Chess Diwali Camp 2024 kicks off in Mumbai

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 22/10/2024

The Big Chess Diwali Camp started on the 21st of October at the Phoenix Marketcity Mall, Kurla, Mumbai. This is a 7-day Chess Camp which is taking place from 21st-27th October every 4-8 PM IST. The camp is packed with 45 activity sheets that will challenge your mind. This is the fifth time we are hosting a camp at this vibrant place. It’s already buzzing with chess fever with so many people coming together to sharpen their skills. The best part? It’s completely free with the freedom to learn chess at your own pace! Day one saw 45 people joining to explore the depths of our activity sheets. Stay tuned as we share daily reports capturing some unforgettable moments that make this camp memorable. Read the article to take a glimpse of such moments from Day 1. Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Chess players of all ages visited the Big Chess Diwali Camp 2024

On the first day, we had a fantastic mix of chess enthusiasts of all skill levels joining us. Whether you were a newbie or a seasoned pro, there was something for everyone!

Oldest participant of Day 1 who spent a couple of hours learning chess! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

A Sailing Champion Kumar on his way to become the Chess Champion? | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Can you imagine the buzz when our very own Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal walked into the venue? They actively engaged with participants, shared their insights, answered their queries, and of course… clicked pictures! How cool is it to learn directly from two of the biggest names in the chess community?

Sagar Shah teaching how to checkmate with a bishop and knight | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

And if that wasn’t enough, we had the honor of hosting Aakash Sharadchandra Daalvi, a 2300+ FM! His presence added an extra layer of excitement to the day as he interacted with some participants. It was quite inspiring to see a strong player like him diving into various positions and demonstrating his thought process.

Aakash Dalvi solving a doubt of a young participant! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Our goal for this camp is to make chess learning fun for all kinds of players. There are a total of four levels based on the strength of the player! Here is how the camp works: You register yourself, take the sheets as per your level, find a comfortable spot, and dive into your sheet! Once you are done with it, go ahead with the next sheet – All this at your own pace!

The Olympiad 2022 Volunteers reunited for the Diwali Camp! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Kolamkar (left) met Sagar Shah after almost 20 years! It was lovely to see his positive energy in the camp! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Amruta Mokal came with a big smile to the camp... | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

... along with her mom Prachi Mokal | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

... her nephew Shaurya Mokal | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

... and Shaurya's mom Vandana Mokal | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

One of our head coaches Shashank Mokashi's positions on mating patterns and tactical patterns were enjoyed by one and all | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

One of our head coaches, Himank Ghosh is born with a teaching talent! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Super-busy Don Shah directly came to the camp from London! He urged (threatened) his 'Bhidus' to visit the camp in large numbers otherwise... | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

... this is how Don Shah and his men will visit you! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Is Don Shah really a Don it just a Shah?

They bleed blue over the board! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

The camp is so free that the organizers also could not resist participating! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Abhyudaya when he is not creating content (Rare)

One runs the marathon physically (Nithin Chandan on the right) and the other one runs the marathon in editing (Ravindra Potawad on the left)! | Photo: Amruta Mokal

When my boss really wanted to test why he hired me... | Photo: Amruta Mokal

Why should we have all the fun?

Address: Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Patelwadi.Kurla, Kurla West, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070

Check out all the photos from Day 1 here, here and here. Day 2 of the camp starts from 4 PM IST - see you at the Club!

Living and loving Chess in a Mall | The Big Chess Diwali Camp kicks off in Mumbai