Former Asian rapid chess champion Lanka Ravi has been conferred a FIDE Lecturer title by the world chess body (FIDE), according to a communiqué received here on Monday.
Ravi, who was the first International Master from Andhra Pradesh way back in 1987 and is also a former National rapid champion, is the only one from Asia to get this privilege in the latest list of 24 FIDE Lecturers nominated from across the world.
The 49-year-old Ravi, who is Manager in ONGC (HR), currently runs the Cyber Chess Academy in Hyderabad and was also coach of the Indian team for the World women's team championship in China in the past and also the World juniors coach.
“I am delighted to get this honour,” remarked Lanka Ravi. “This job involves recognising and training highly-skilled professionals with many years of experience. The main responsibility is that we have to train chess trainers — as the coaching pattern itself has five layers,” he said.
“I am thankful to the All India Chess Federation for recommending my name for the highest training title given by the FIDE,” Ravi said.
Incidentally, Ravi has also been named as the Indian men's team coach to China next month for the Asian Nation's Cup championship.
“This assignment also means travelling to other Asian and European countries as when the world chess body requires, to ensure there are more professional chess trainers available throughout the world,” said the former India No. 2.
