With the latest declaration of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) on Sunday, Kanpur is all set to host Senior National Chess Championship next month. While announcing this decision, the AICF President Sanjay Kapoor asserted that a list of measures are being implemented by the authority for boosting progress in the field of chess. Slated to be held from April 13 to 20, the event is expected to ignite a love for the competitive game in young minds.
Programs to take chess across different parts of the country
The AICF chief said, “We believe that fans need to see top players in action for chess to become a true phenomenon in the country and we aim to have the cream of the players for this tournament.” The top official further affirmed that the AICF is implementing initiatives to train 1500 organisers in the country so that multiple tournaments can be conducted in different regions throughout the year. The organisation envisions taking chess in different parts of the country with an aim to increase the popularity of this mind game.
1500 people being trained under the ‘Training for Trainers’ initiative
In order to reach its objectives, the federation plans to select 3 individuals in each district of India who will be trained to conduct tournaments. The process of finding capable people shall start next month, thereby initiating the process of development at the grassroots level. Currently, 1,500 people are being trained under the guidance of 14 Grandmasters and 14 International Masters as a part of the ‘Training for Trainers’ initiative.
“Our aim is to create employment for thousands of chess coaches, who will in turn teach and develop lakhs of players. We are looking at creating an intellectual force in modern India, the kind of which has never been seen before anywhere,” said the AICF chief.
‘Chess in school’ program in Punjab
Additionally, the AICF is holding deliberations with the Punjab government to further the plans for the introduction of an innovative ‘Chess in school’ programme in junior and senior classes of schools across the state. The AICF chief mentioned that every Indian kid should take in chess games for at least 3 to 4 years of his life. While it has been planned to send hundreds of chess instructors to different parts of the country, AICF is also working to establish a virtual platform that would coach the students online.
