In an initiative designed to promote intellectual growth and gender inclusivity, the Directorate of Education in association with the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) is organizing the Smart Girls (Under-19) Chess Tournament – 2025. Scheduled for July 12th and 13th, the event will be held at the auditorium of Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Sri Vijaya Puram, exclusively for young girls born on or after January 1, 2006.
The event is part of the national campaign “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” which seeks to empower young girls through education and opportunity. This tournament will include multiple categories- Under-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 19, within a unified format, allowing girls of varying skill levels to participate and be recognized for their strategic talents. These categories have been designed to offer an age-appropriate and competitive platform that encourages participation from the youngest chess enthusiasts to those preparing to graduate high school.
The tournament aims to provide a safe and intellectually challenging environment where young girls can showcase their aptitude in the traditionally male-dominated sport of chess. By creating such spaces, the Directorate of Education and ANCA are reinforcing the belief that games of logic and strategy should be equally accessible to all, irrespective of gender.
Organizers have waived the entry fee to ensure inclusivity. However, participants must be registered with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for the 2025–2026 term. This ensures a standard of play and allows participants to gain exposure to recognized chess circuits. Registration for the tournament can be completed via the Google Form link provided in the press release, with a deadline of July 10. Schools and individual players are being encouraged to register promptly to avoid missing out on this important opportunity.
The Smart Girls Chess Tournament stands not just as a sporting event but also as a platform to promote life skills like critical thinking, patience, decision-making, and resilience among young girls. Encouraging participation in intellectually demanding sports like chess helps reinforce educational values while providing a wholesome and competitive outlet. Chess, with its emphasis on planning and foresight, also cultivates mental discipline, traits that serve young students well in both academics and personal development.
Support from local educational institutions, parents, and mentors is expected to further boost participation and motivation. For many, it will be their first experience in a structured, competitive environment, which could spark a deeper interest in the game or even encourage a future career in chess coaching or officiating.
In a region like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where remote geography can sometimes limit access to broader sporting circuits, the Smart Girls Tournament is a valuable bridge between national schemes and grassroots implementation. It sends a strong message that quality sporting opportunities should be made available even in the farthest corners of the country.
