Making right moves in public squares to tap budding chess talent

You would have spotted this youngster at public places like parks and playgrounds teaching the game of chess to a group of children belonging to all age groups. City-based K Praveen Kumar is on a mission to teach chess to as many kids as possible. “While growing up, I wanted to become a professional chess player. But it didn’t happen due to certain reasons. When I was in Class 6, I played matches with my friends in the neighbourhood. Initially, I was defeated in most of the games. But later, I mastered the art of playing chess and developed a great passion for the game,” says Praveen.

The chess enthusiast feels that playing the game of chess improves the learning, thinking, analytical power, and decision-making ability of the child. He wanted to grab the attention of parents and decided to teach students in public places.

“This is one of the best ways to get attention. If people spot me coaching chess in a park they will come nearby and observe what I am doing. This would lead to a conversation on the reason for me teaching the game. That way, I could talk about the advantages of chess and make sure that parents send their children to chess academies/coaching centers in the city,” the 31-year-old shares. He even quit his job as a data analyst to fully concentrate on his passion for teaching chess.

It’s scientifically proven that board games like chess, scrabble, etc, could help in developing the muscles of the brain and sharpen it.

“Playing chess would help a child to think better, improve self-confidence, which is extremely essential for the child’s growth. In the game of chess, a child learns to do a thorough analysis, research, and assessment of the situation before making any decision. Such an exercise provides mental clarity to the child that is required for solving problems. These qualities go a long way and would properly mould the child,” opines the coach.

Praveen’s favourite chess players are Bobby Fischer and Viswanathan Anand and he thoroughly watches their games and interviews on YouTube. The coach feels that there should be more awareness on the game and he is planning to start a chess academy in the coming years.

“I wanted to introduce a lot of players to the chess field and give them quality training. Moreover, I wanted to give a chance to children coming from the less privileged community to learn the best game in the world,” he remarks.