Apeejay Tanda Road checkmates other schools! 

Apeejay School, Tanda Road is doing exceptionally well in many fields. And the world of black and white squares is a new addition in their long list of achievements. Class 7 students of the school demonstrated their exceptional chess skills by securing top positions in a Chess Tournament organised by the Chess Yudh Club at Lala Lajpat Rai Institute of Nursing Education, Gulab Devi Hospital, Jalandhar.

Bhav Aggarwal achieved an impressive second position in the U-13 category, while Aarish secured a commendable seventh position among the top ten participants in the ‘Novice’ category. 

Their remarkable achievements have brought pride to their alma mater as school coordinator Ms Deepti Kaushal expressed her delight. She mentioned, “The school is very proud of the exceptional performance of both the students in the recently held chess tournament. I really appreciate their dedication and passion for the game as well as the perseverance they displayed throughout the competition. Our best wishes to both the students.”

Speaking about his experience at the tournament, winner Bhav Aggarwal shared, “I played three matches in a total of five rounds at the tournament. My journey into chess began in the past 7 years. I had chosen skating as my activity during third class, but I could not find much of an interest in it, so I chose chess instead. I knew the basics of the game from before, but as Kanwaljit Sir (my school coach) began teaching me, I felt a spark towards this game.” 

Bhav further adds, “My preferred opening is two steps of the king’s pawn. I feel confident playing that and it opens many options for the game. I practice chess for an hour daily.” 

Arish, on the other hand, exclaims that he was a little nervous before the tournament. He says, “I was a bit nervous when the tournament began, but I gained confidence with every match. It was a great learning experience for me. I learned to play patiently and confidently.” 

Like Bhav, Arish too gives the school coach the credit for initiating him into the game. He explains, “In my school I took chess as my activity and started taking a lot of interest in it. I learnt to play from our coach who inspired me and also sharpened my skills.” 

The class 7 student further adds, “The Italian opening is my favourite move and my favourite chess player is Magnus Carlsen. I admire him a lot. My aim is to play in the national championships, represent my state and make my parents, coach and school proud of me.”