United Chess Academy

Jacket 🧥 can wait, but chess can't ft. Magnus Carlsen

Chess isn't a game of speed, it is a game of speech through actions.

- Matt Selman.

Chess is a complete and well-rounded sport that develops the mind as a whole.

Today, 14th January, we celebrate 12 years of UNITED CHESS ACADEMY (ESTD. 14th January, 2014). Warm wishes on our Foundation Day 🎉"

Today, we celebrate the game that is a 'Gymnasium of the Mind'. We are proud to provided a platform where young minds can sharpen their focus, plan wisely, and learn the value of strategy and sportsmanship. Here's to many more years of nurturing critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and future leaders. Let's keep the board alive and make every move count.

We never forget the idealism and inspiration of our founder, the late Mrs. Dipti Banerjee, who still inspires every step and decision we take.

We honour the day our community came together, united by the universal language of Chess. The game transcends age and background, fostering values such as fairness, respect, and cross-cultural friendship. A big thank you to all the students, parents, and coaches who make us 'one family' (Gens una sumus, as the FIDE motto goes). May we continue to build a vibrant and inclusive chess community for years to come.

Wishing Everyone Happy 12th Foundation Day !

Thanks & Regards,
Mr. Soumya Banerjee.
Director of UNITED CHESS ACADEMY.

Our student Shakya Singha Modak (Tripura) won TATA Steel Under-19 Chess Festival 2026! Congratulations on your success!

Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off; may this incredible achievement be just the beginning of a future filled with even greater accomplishments and bright opportunities. Celebrate this milestone, you've earned it, and know your journey of excellence is truly remarkable. Your talent and drive promise a future paved with impressive accomplishments. Well done Shakya !

It was a beautiful start to the year 2026 for Nihal Sarin. The youngster from Kerala won the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid 2026 with a clear half point ahead of the field scoring 6.5/9. Nihal performed at an Elo of 2839 and won games against Aravindh, Niemann, Murzin, Vidit and Wesley So.

Nihal after winning the tournament, dedicated his win to his maternal grandfather AA Ummar, who passed away yesterday. It was extremely tough for Nihal, as his grandfather was the one who had taught him chess. He played today's games thinking about him.

Vishy Anand, the legend of Indian chess, finished sole second with 6.0/9. The third place went to 3 players Arjun Erigaisi, Wesley So, Hans Niemann - all of whom finished with 5.0/9.

Nihal's victory is very special because just a week before the event, he was not even in the list of participants. It was only when the World Champion D. Gukesh pulled out from the event, that Nihal got a chance to play here. And he made the chance count by winning with an amazing performance. Whenever Nihal wins, we are reminded that "Kind and good people do not always finish last! In fact they can even finish ahead of everyone else!"

Kudos to the Champ! It seems that the year 2026 will belong to Nihal Sarin! 😍

Congratulations to Nihal Sarin and Kateryna Lagno!

Kateryna remained unbeaten throughout and clinched the women's section of the rapid event. Nihal made a solid draw in the final round vs. Vishy Anand to seal the title.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2026 ! May this year bring good health, happiness, and success to you and your family.