The 2025 FIDE World Schools Team Championship: Velammal MHS School Dominates
In a display of exceptional talent and strategic prowess, Velammal MHS School from India emerged victorious at the 2025 FIDE World Schools Team Championship. The team delivered a flawless performance, securing a perfect 8/8 score and claiming the top position in the prestigious tournament. The National School of Physics and Mathematics from Kazakhstan clinched the silver medal with a commendable 6/8 score, while the Harker School from the U.S. secured the bronze with 5/8, narrowly edging out Astana 2 RSPM, another school from Kazakhstan.
A Global Chess Competition in Washington, D.C.
The intense eight-round team Swiss tournament unfolded from August 3-6 at the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. The event attracted 55 teams from around the world, with a total of 286 players representing 48 countries. The competition was not only a test of skill but also a celebration of the enduring legacy of chess in education.
Velammal MHS School: A Powerhouse of Chess
Velammal MHS School’s victory comes as no surprise in the golden era of Indian chess. The school boasts a rich legacy of producing strong Grandmasters, including GMs Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna. The team fielded an all-titled roster, featuring talented players such as WFM Keerti Shree Reddy, IM Aswath S, and FM Daakshin Arun.
Across the 36 games they played, Velammal MHS School displayed unrivaled dominance, losing only two individual matches. Their exceptional performance solidified their position as champions, leaving the competition far behind.
A Platform for Learning and Growth
Aside from the thrilling tournament action, the Smart Moves Summit took center stage on August 4-5. This global conference, focused on the intersection of chess and education, featured over 50 speakers, including scientists, researchers, and teachers. The event provided a platform for insightful discussions on the role of chess in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive development.
Empowering Through Chess
The FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich, commended the participants for their outstanding performance and emphasized the value of the experiences gained through chess. He expressed his hopes that the competitors would not only cherish their medals but also draw inspiration to achieve greater heights in life.
Exploring Beyond the Chessboard
While in Washington, players had the opportunity to visit renowned museums such as the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, enriching their cultural experience beyond the confines of the chessboard.
Smart Moves Summit: A Confluence of Minds
The Smart Moves Summit, organized by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), served as a platform for engaging discussions on the transformative power of chess in education. With esteemed speakers like WGM Jennifer Shahade and Timur Turlov, CEO of the event’s sponsoring company, the summit explored innovative strategies to integrate chess into formal and informal learning environments.
The conference concluded with a commitment to promote inclusivity and accessibility in chess, emphasizing the importance of making the game available to all individuals, regardless of nationality, disability, or gender.
Overall, the 2025 FIDE World Schools Team Championship and Smart Moves Summit not only showcased top-tier chess competition but also underscored the profound impact of chess on education and personal development.
The Rise of Chess in Education
Over the years, chess has gained recognition as a valuable tool for educational development. The game’s complex nature requires players to think multiple moves ahead, analyze patterns, and make strategic decisions – skills that are transferable to various aspects of life. Schools around the world are increasingly incorporating chess into their curriculum to enhance cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance.
Studies have shown that students who regularly engage in chess exhibit improved concentration, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Chess also promotes creativity, resilience, and sportsmanship, instilling important values in young minds. The success of schools like Velammal MHS School in chess tournaments not only reflects their strategic prowess but also highlights the positive impact of chess education on students’ holistic development.
The Global Reach of Chess Tournaments
The FIDE World Schools Team Championship serves as a platform for young chess enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to come together, share their passion for the game, and challenge themselves against top competitors. The event not only promotes international camaraderie but also exposes players to different playing styles, strategies, and cultural experiences.
Participating in prestigious tournaments like the FIDE World Schools Team Championship offers young players the opportunity to test their skills, gain valuable experience, and forge lifelong friendships with fellow chess enthusiasts. The competitive environment fosters a spirit of healthy competition, resilience, and continuous improvement, shaping the next generation of chess champions.
The Intersection of Chess and Technology
With advancements in technology, chess has transcended physical boards and pieces to become a popular online game. Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess have revolutionized the way players engage with the game, providing opportunities for virtual tournaments, online lessons, and interactive gameplay. The integration of artificial intelligence in chess programs has also enhanced training methods, offering players new insights and strategies to improve their game.
Virtual chess tournaments and online resources have made the game more accessible to individuals around the world, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding the reach of chess education. Players can now compete against opponents from different countries, participate in online coaching sessions, and access a wealth of educational materials to enhance their skills.
The Future of Chess in Education
As chess continues to gain prominence in educational settings, schools are recognizing the value of integrating the game into their curriculum to nurture key 21st-century skills. Chess clubs, tournaments, and educational programs are becoming more prevalent, providing students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
By emphasizing the cognitive benefits of chess, educators are empowering students to think strategically, make informed decisions, and approach challenges with resilience. The success of schools like Velammal MHS School at international chess tournaments serves as a testament to the transformative power of chess in education and its ability to shape the minds of future leaders.
Overall, the 2025 FIDE World Schools Team Championship not only showcased the exceptional talent of young chess players but also highlighted the invaluable role of chess in fostering intellectual growth, promoting cultural exchange, and shaping future generations of strategic thinkers.
