Campbell Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, September 22, 2025 — A week-long chess training programme for school students commenced today in Campbell Bay, aimed at nurturing strategic thinking and promoting competitive sportsmanship among youth in the remote southernmost region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organized by the Directorate of Education in collaboration with the All India Chess Federation (AICF), the initiative brings certified trainers to the island to conduct structured sessions for students from Classes VI to XII. The programme includes daily workshops, interactive tutorials, and mini-tournaments designed to introduce foundational techniques and sharpen tactical skills.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Assistant Education Officer R. Kumar emphasized the importance of cognitive sports in holistic development. “Chess enhances concentration, patience, and decision-making. We are proud to bring this opportunity to our students in Campbell Bay, who often face geographic and resource constraints,” he said.
The training is being held at Government Senior Secondary School, Campbell Bay, with over 80 students registered. Trainers from mainland India have been deputed to ensure quality instruction, and digital boards have been installed to facilitate real-time demonstrations.
Parents and teachers have welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to boost academic performance and extracurricular engagement. The programme will culminate in a district-level chess competition on September 28, where top performers will be shortlisted for further coaching under the UT-level sports development scheme.
Officials stated that similar programmes are being planned for other remote islands in the Nicobar group, as part of a broader push to democratize access to intellectual sports and foster talent at the grassroots level.
