By Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On October 5, 2024, Stellar Don Bosco Academy, Nerul, hosted a thrilling chess tournament that brought together young minds for an exciting day of strategy and competition. A total of 15 students participated in this prestigious event, including players from Don Bosco Academy as well as neighboring schools. The tournament provided an excellent opportunity for students to test their skills and foster a sense of sportsmanship.

The tournament was overseen by Dr Rajesh Nair, the academy's highly respected Chess instructor. With over a decade of experience teaching chess, Dr Nair has helped countless students at Don Bosco Academy develop a passion for the game. A rated chess player and FIDE-certified Arbiter, Dr Nair's expertise is well recognized in the chess community. His certification as a Development Instructor Coach from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 2020 adds further credence to his dedication and contributions to the game. His leadership and insightful guidance have been instrumental in nurturing young chess talent over the years.

The tournament began with great enthusiasm as students were paired using a lottery system, drawing chits to determine their opponents. The morning session saw intense competition, with students carefully considering each move, and demonstrating their analytical and problem-solving skills. The tournament’s format was knockout-based, adding a layer of excitement to the proceedings as students battled it out to stay in the game.

As the day progressed, the finalists emerged from the fierce competition. Sanskrutya Rohit Jogdand and Samarth Prashant Shewale faced off in a highly anticipated final match. Both players displayed remarkable poise and tactical acumen, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. After a well-fought game, Sanskrutya emerged as the champion, securing a hard-earned victory. Samarth finished as the runner-up, demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The tournament highlighted the talents of young chess players and underscored the importance of chess in fostering critical thinking, patience, and perseverance. Chess undoubtedly remains the sport of choice for many students who want to improve their problem-solving skills and helps in quick decision-making under pressure. The Stellar Don Bosco Academy remains committed to promoting chess as a valuable educational tool, with Dr Nair’s guidance continuing to shape the next generation of chess enthusiasts.