CAMPBELL BAY, Sept. 18, 2025 — A week-long chess training programme for school students in the Campbell Bay Zone commenced today, marking a significant step in promoting strategic thinking and cognitive development among young learners in the southernmost region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organized under the Department of Education’s Chess-in-Schools initiative, the programme is being held at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Campbell Bay. The training is part of a broader effort to integrate chess into the academic and extracurricular framework across the islands, with similar camps being conducted in other educational zones throughout the year.
Led by certified Master Trainers, the sessions are designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of chess, including rules, tactics, and strategic planning. The programme also includes interactive demonstrations, puzzle-solving exercises, and mini-tournaments aimed at fostering competitive spirit and enhancing concentration.
Local educators and administrators have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its role in nurturing analytical skills and decision-making abilities among students. “Chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for mental discipline and strategic growth,” said a senior education official at the launch event.
The Campbell Bay programme is expected to benefit dozens of students from various schools in the zone, offering them a rare opportunity to engage with the game in a structured and supportive environment. The training will conclude with a zonal-level chess competition, where participants will showcase their newly acquired skills.
This initiative follows the successful rollout of the Free Chess Summer Camp 2025 held earlier this year across nine zones of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which saw participation from over 640 students. The Department of Education continues to prioritize chess as a developmental tool, reinforcing its commitment to holistic education in remote and underserved regions.
