THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: During a regular class at the International School of Chess at PMG trainer Unnikrishnan M N told the students about the upcoming Chess Olympiad set to be held in Chennai on July 28. After coming to know that the Chess Olympiad is happening in India for the first time, the students suggested holding an exhibition which highlights the history and significance of the board game.
It was this discussion that led to the ongoing exhibition on chess at the Russian Cultural Centre that showcases the data collected by the students on the history of chess. The visitors can also see different types of chess boards and also pick up strategies of the game from the students.
In order to educate the public regarding the milestones in the game’s history, about 25 students of the under 15 batch were involved in data collection. The topics covered include history of chess, the development of the game in India and Kerala, world champions, etc. The chess school has also showcased its collection of different chess boards, including the luxury wood boards to the classic and the common Staunton sets.
“Chess has not been getting the attention it deserves here. Few children come to chess classes and girls report even lower levels of participation. The game has to be included in the school curriculum for at least one day in a week, which will contribute more chess players and also improve children’s learning ability,” said Unnikrishnan, trainer and managing director of the International School of Chess.
“The information we gathered from various books and websites were handed over to our trainers and they cross checked it. I have also incorporated the data provided by our trainers. This exhibition has given us an opportunity to learn the theoretical part of chess,” said Bhavin Shankar M, one of the students.
The exhibition will be on till July 28.
