Jayant Chaudhary Champions Chess As A Tool For Youth Empowerment And Supports AICF's School Programme

Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, has highlighted the importance of chess as a mental exercise that fosters strategic thinking and critical reasoning. He is collaborating with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and FIDE to integrate chess into school curriculums under the National Education Policy 2020.

Chaudhary recently visited the FIDE World Cup 2025 venue, where he participated in a ceremonial move during the quarterfinal tiebreak. He expressed the government's commitment to incorporating sports into academic curriculums, moving beyond their traditional role as extracurricular activities.

"I was very happy to know that they (AICF and FIDE) are always pushing for the inculcation of chess into

schools. That is something that is a priority for them. It is a policy imperative. We will work closely with these bodies and see that in this current revision of academics, which is a process NCERT is following, we bring in elements of chess to be used as a learning tool across subjects," he told reporters.

FIDE has declared 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education, and Chaudhary assured full support from his ministry for any initiatives by AICF and FIDE in India. This collaboration aims to promote chess as an educational tool nationwide.

Recently, FIDE and AICF signed an MoU with KIIT University to highlight chess's societal and educational value. An International Conference on Social Chess and Educational Chess will take place in January 2026 at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. This event forms part of FIDE's global initiative to explore how chess can enhance social inclusion and educational innovation.

"FIDE is planning an event in Bhubaneswar, where they will hold a workshop and event bringing together stakeholders, thought leaders and policy experts to talk specifically about chess and education. I will be very happy to participate in that, and our ministry will wholeheartedly support that initiative," he added.

The Role of Sports in Economic Growth

The Union Minister also noted that chess has deep roots in Indian culture, citing players like Viswanathan Anand as role models. He emphasised sports' potential for economic growth, stating that currently around 33 lakh people work in sports-related industries, contributing 0.1% to GDP. By 2047, this sector could expand twentyfold, creating up to 2 crore jobs.

He stressed the need for government support at both federal and state levels for sports associations, federations, budding athletes, and integrating sports culture into education systems.

Uzbekistan Secures Final Spot

In ongoing chess events, Uzbekistan has secured a place in the finals with GM Nodirbek Yakkuboev facing GM Javokhir Sindarov in one semifinal. The other semifinal features China's GM Wei Yi against GM Andrey Esipenko. Winners will qualify for next year's Candidate tournaments while losing semifinalists compete for a third-place play-off determining the final Candidate Spot from the FIDE World Cup.