A four-day chess training programme aimed at enhancing cognitive skills among primary school students and teachers has commenced at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Sabari Junction, in Rangat. Organized by the Directorate of Education as part of the ‘Chess in Schools’ initiative, the program seeks to promote the game of chess as an effective educational tool for improving focus, strategic thinking, and academic performance.
The training, which began on July 29, brings together primary students, school teachers, and Physical Education Teachers (PETs) from across the Rangat Zone. Sessions are being conducted with an interactive mix of theory and practice, allowing both students and educators to gain a firm grasp of the game’s fundamentals as well as its deeper tactical elements.
The event was inaugurated with a symbolic first move on the chessboard by the Assistant Commissioner of Rangat, who attended as chief guest. In his remarks to the participants, he emphasized the relevance of chess in nurturing patience, discipline, and critical thinking, traits that extend far beyond the chessboard into academics and everyday life. He also encouraged the participants to spread the game among peers and family members to foster wider community interest.
Senior education officials from the Directorate, including the Assistant Director (PE/Sports) and the District Education Officer, were present during the inaugural session. They highlighted how chess can positively influence mental development and open new career paths for interested students. According to them, chess is no longer seen just as a recreational activity, but increasingly as a tool to train the mind for problem-solving and structured decision-making.
The training sessions focus on a range of foundational and advanced skills, from learning how the pieces move to understanding tactics like forks, pins, and checkmates. Students also get the opportunity to play simulated games with guidance from instructors, making the sessions both engaging and educational.
Teachers and PETs are being trained simultaneously so they can continue chess instruction at the school level once the formal training ends. This model ensures long-term impact and sustainability of the programme, which aims to make chess a regular part of co-curricular education in government schools.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Directorate of Education to introduce innovative learning tools that support the overall intellectual development of children in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Officials noted that activities like chess not only improve concentration but also help in developing patience, foresight, and resilience, qualities increasingly vital in modern education.
In rural and semi-urban settings like Rangat, such programmes are also viewed as a way to bridge learning gaps and offer equal exposure to competitive mind sports. With consistent encouragement and access to resources, children from these regions can also aim for district- and state-level tournaments in the future.
As the training progresses, feedback from participants and instructors will be gathered to shape future editions of the programme. The Directorate is expected to replicate this model in other education zones across the Islands, scaling the benefits of chess to a wider student population.
