Overview
- The International Conference on Social and Educational Chess runs January 14–16 at KIIT with backing from FIDE and the All India Chess Federation.
- Organizers inaugurated the International Chess Hall and the Viswanathan Anand Chess Academy to formalize long-term chess programming on campus.
- Viswanathan Anand said four hours of weekly play can sharpen students’ thinking and academics, urging statewide tournaments and tech-enabled outreach to rural areas.
- FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich framed chess as a tool for cognitive and life skills, while Dana Reizniece cited 25 million children in chess-based education and proposed a university-level program with a goal to double reach.
- KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta emphasized chess’s role in social inclusion, noting extensive participation by tribal students through KISS initiatives.