Popularising chess among schoolchildren

MDCA to rope in 10 to 15 schools under ‘chess in schools’ initiative

The Mysuru District Chess Association (MDCA) is aiming to promote chess among schoolchildren in a big way this year under the ‘chess in schools’ initiative.

The association has planned to rope in 10 to 15 schools, both private and government, and coach interested children.

‘Chess in Schools’ was launched last year and over 300 children had been covered under it.

MDCA honorary secretary K.R. Shivarame Gowda told

The Hindu that children studying from classes 3 to 7 can make use of the initiative. Several schools have already expressed their interest, he said. “Chess is a mind game and it improves concentration and thinking levels. Children will also develop patience. As the benefits are plenty, we thought of teaching them at a young age,” he explained.

Schools from Nanjangud have also approached to be a part of the initiative, he said, adding that advanced coaching will also be considered seeing the children’s interest in the game.

C.K. Muralidharan, secretary, Professional Chess Academy, MDCA, Mysuru, said a nominal fee of ₹100 per student per month will be charged. MDCA coaches will visit the schools and train them for one hour in a week.

In school syllabus?

The MDCA has also planned to meet Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Tanveer Sait soon to request him to include chess in the school curriculum as done in Tamil Nadu. Mr. Gowda said: “It’s good for our children if the T.N. model was replicated in the State too.”

Mr. Muralidharan said a demonstration will be given on why the game needs to be included in the syllabus.

Interested schools may call 9448273082.