New Delhi, 10 October (H.S.): Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Delhi BJP president, inaugurated the national chess championship, the fifth stage of the second National Sports Competition 2026–27 organised by the Board of Indian Education, at S.R. Capital Senior Secondary School in Delhi on Saturday.

The two-day championship, being held on October 10 and 11, has brought together students from various schools to demonstrate their intellectual abilities, concentration and strategic skills through the game of chess.

According to the organisers, approximately 1,000 players from 35 schools across eight states participated in the second National Sports Competition organised by the Board of Indian Education. Various stages of the competition have been held in Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Bulandshahr, Delhi and Hapur, providing students with opportunities to showcase their sporting talent at the national level.

Addressing the gathering, Malhotra praised the Board of Indian Education for its efforts to promote the holistic development of students. Emphasising the importance of intellectual sports such as chess, he encouraged students to pursue excellence through discipline, sportsmanship and consistent practice.

Lakshya Chhabra, principal of S.R. Capital Senior Secondary School, welcomed the guests and observed that chess has its roots in India’s ancient tradition of Chaturanga. He described the game as a symbol of India’s intellectual heritage and knowledge tradition, adding that national-level competitions of this kind enable students to hone their abilities while strengthening their connection with the country’s cultural legacy.

He further stated that the purpose of education extends beyond securing good marks. It is equally important to nurture capable, value-driven and confident citizens who are committed to the nation and can contribute to the vision of a developed India through their knowledge, skills and character.

The Board of Indian Education, it may be noted, is working towards the holistic development of students in keeping with the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, integrating India’s traditional knowledge systems and cultural values with modern education.

The board aims to develop physical fitness, mental resilience, logical reasoning and leadership qualities among students. The national chess championship represents an important initiative towards achieving these objectives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar