Student Achiever: ‘The rook checkmate was my favourite move’

Meet seven-year-old chess enthusiast Mehtab Singh from Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, who recently participated in the Open Chess Tournament 2026, organised by Elite Kings Academy at Rama Mandi, Jalandhar. Competing in the Rapid Chess Open Category, he impressed with his performance and received a consolation prize.

In a candid interview, he talks about the most challenging part of the competition, among other things.

How did you get interested in chess?

All credit goes to my elder brother, Sahibjot Singh, who is a Class X student at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi. I used to watch him play chess at home, and I found the game very interesting. I liked seeing how every piece moved in a different way and how he planned his moves carefully. Slowly, I also started learning the game from him. He encouraged me to play, and that is how my interest in chess developed.

How did you prepare for the Open Chess Tournament 2026?

My elder brother helped me prepare for the tournament. He teaches me chess strategies every day and explains how to think before making a move. We practise different situations on the chessboard, and he also tells me where I make mistakes. His guidance helped me understand the game better.

How did you feel while competing in the Open Category?

I felt very excited while competing in the Open Category. It was a new experience for me, and I was happy to play against different opponents. At first, I was a little nervous, but once the match started, I focused on the chessboard and tried to play my best.

Which match or move from the tournament do you remember the most?

The move I remember the most was the rook checkmate. I felt very happy when I realised I could finish the game with that move. It was an exciting moment for me because I had planned the move carefully, and it worked.

What was the most challenging part of the competition?

The most challenging part was playing against strong opponents. Every player had a different style, so I had to think carefully before making each move. Some matches were difficult, but they also helped me learn new things.

How did you feel about receiving the consolation prize?

I was super excited to receive the consolation prize. It made me feel proud and encouraged me to practice more. I was also happy that others appreciated my efforts.

What would you like to achieve in chess next?

My next goal is to win first position in the upcoming tournament in Hoshiarpur on July 26, 2026, in the Under-7 category. Meanwhile, I am practising with my brother to win the tournament.