Strategic Thinker, Fearless Player: Class IX student excels in Chess Tournament

Brimming with enthusiasm and humility, Class IX student Sahib Jot from Apeejay School, Rama Mandi recently brought pride to his school community by bagging the 3rd position in the 6th JMD Chess Tournament 2025, held at CT World School. Competing against participants from over 30 schools, Sahib demonstrated sharp tactical skills and deep concentration throughout the event. For the young achiever, this victory is not just about the medal – it marks the beginning of his journey toward mastering the intricate world of chess.

Read edited excerpts:

Congratulations on your achievement! How did you feel after securing the 3rd position in the tournament?

Thank you! Honestly, I was overjoyed. It felt like all my practice had finally paid off. This was my first offline tournament where I actually won a prize. I had played online tournaments before and even won two of them, but getting a real medal felt completely different and special.

How did you develop such a strong interest in chess?

I started playing chess seriously around Class VII, but I joined chess.com at the beginning of Class VIII. That’s when I began practising regularly and improving my tactics. The more I played, the more I got fascinated by the logic and creativity involved in the game.

What kind of practice routine do you follow?

I practice for about half an hour every day on my phone or laptop. I play different time formats like rapid, blitz and bullet to sharpen my thinking. I also use a physical chessboard to practice openings and study strategies from books and YouTube videos.

Which chess tactics or moves do you enjoy the most?

I find double check and discovered attacks really exciting. They are tricky and often surprise your opponent. I love using them in online matches; it feels great when the plan works perfectly!

What did this tournament teach you?

One big lesson was the importance of warming up before a match. I realised that starting without warm-up games can affect your focus. Now, I always play a few unrated games before I compete seriously.

Apart from chess, what other interests do you have?

I enjoy playing badminton and have taken part in two tournaments. I’m also very interested in Science and Maths. I haven’t decided my stream yet, but I know I’ll continue exploring subjects that challenge my mind just like chess does!

What’s your ultimate goal in chess?

My dream is to become a Chess Grandmaster and participate in professional tournaments around the world. For me, chess isn’t just a hobby – it’s something I feel I’m truly made for.