In a significant move to boost extracurricular activities, the Tambaram Municipal Corporation in Chennai has rolled out a dedicated chess talent development programme for students studying in its schools. This initiative aims to transform casual interest into structured training for the ancient game of strategy.
Programme Details and Ambitious Reach
The civic body has entered into a partnership with Chess Bishop, a private chess coaching organisation, to implement this programme across its educational institutions. There are a total of 35 corporation schools under the Tambaram Corporation, with a current enrolment of over 1,000 students.
As part of the first phase, the programme will select 50 students from each of the five zones under the corporation, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 250 young minds. These selected students will be provided with 12 months of comprehensive online chess training, featuring round-the-clock access to learning modules.
Financial Commitment and Free Access for Students
Highlighting its commitment, the corporation has allocated a total budget of ₹25 lakh for this ambitious programme. While each online membership normally costs ₹1,310 and the premium leatherette chess kits provided to students are priced at ₹900 per unit, all these facilities will be offered completely free of cost to the chosen participants.
To identify and nurture talent, the corporation will conduct a chess assessment event in all five zones. This will ensure a fair and transparent selection process for the coveted spots in the training scheme.
Wider Educational Goals and Expert Appreciation
Corporation Commissioner S Balachander stated that this initiative is a key part of a larger plan to bridge the gap between private and government schools. "We are starting with chess, but in the future, we will introduce more extracurricular and academic-oriented activities for corporation school students," he affirmed, signalling a holistic approach to student development.
The move has been welcomed by educators. S Sankara Perumal, president of the Tamil Nadu Physical Education Teacher and Physical Director Association, praised the decision. He emphasised that "Chess is not just a game of board and pieces; it reflects real life." He further explained, "Moving a pawn is like taking a step in the world; you never know when the opponent will attack. Not all students are interested in outdoor games, and chess helps improve IQ over time."
This programme marks a focused effort by the Tambaram Corporation to enrich the learning environment in its schools, using chess as a tool to enhance cognitive skills and provide equal opportunities for its students to excel beyond traditional academics.
