Chennai MLA Humorously Checkmated by Young Chess Prodigy During Initiative Launch
In a delightful and unexpected turn of events, Tambaram MLA S R Raja experienced a swift and decisive defeat in a chess match, being checkmated in merely four moves by a talented Class VI student. This surprising outcome occurred shortly after the MLA had addressed corporation school students on the intricacies of checkmate tactics, adding a layer of irony to the situation.
MLA Praises Student Brilliance and Chess Program
Embracing the loss with grace and humor, MLA S R Raja shared his thoughts with TOI, stating, "It shows the brilliance of the students. The chess initiative by Tambaram corporation will support such talented students to hone their skills and emerge as the best chess players in the nation." His positive response underscores the educational value of the encounter.
Sigaram 64 Smart Chess Training Initiative Details
The incident took place during the launch of 'Sigaram 64 smart chess training', a ₹23-lakh initiative by the Tambaram corporation. This program is designed to foster interest in non-traditional games among children and officially commenced on Thursday. As part of Phase 1, 250 students from Classes VI to VIII will receive online training from members of a private chess academy for 1.5 hours after school each day.
Tambaram corporation commissioner S Balachander explained the structure: "The first three sessions will be held offline, after which we will shift to online mode. The programme will run for one full year." The initiative has already garnered significant interest, with over 600 applications received. The remaining students will be accommodated in subsequent phases.
Program Schedule and Training Curriculum
The chess training program is scheduled to run until mid-March, after which it will pause until June due to exams and summer holidays. It will resume when schools reopen for the next academic year. The curriculum is comprehensive, starting from the basics and covering:
- Checkmate tactics and strategies
- Prominent chess openings and their variations
- Analysis of international chess games and grandmaster techniques
- Training in blitz games to enhance quick thinking and decision-making
With an investment of approximately ₹9,400 per student, the program aims to provide high-quality education and resources to nurture young chess enthusiasts.
Distribution of Chess Kits and Broader Impact
To further support the initiative, MLA S R Raja, along with Pallavaram MLA E Karunanidhi, distributed chess kits to the participating students. This gesture not only equips them with the necessary tools but also symbolizes the government's commitment to promoting intellectual sports and extracurricular activities in schools.
The event highlights the growing emphasis on holistic education in Chennai, where traditional academics are complemented by skill-based programs. The quick defeat of the MLA serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within young students and the importance of initiatives like Sigaram 64 in unlocking their talents.
