ISHRAE Celebrates International Chess Day with Checkmate 2024

Shankha Bhattacharya

On July 20, 2024, the ISHRAE Kolkata Chapter, in collaboration with Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha and Gariahat Chess Club, hosted an innovative chess competition titled ‘Checkmate 2024’. The event, set beneath the bustling Gariahat flyover amidst the city’s traffic noise, brought a unique charm to the competition.

The event was inaugurated by former ISHRAE Immediate Past President Shankha Bhattacharya, Senior National Arbiter Pritam Kumar Ghosh, and Gariahat Chess Club Secretary Abhijit Saha. Pritam Ghosh and Gautam Bhattacharya from Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha directed and judged the entire competition, ensuring fair play and excitement throughout the competition.

Thirty chess players took part in this competition which was spread across five rounds. Young chess enthusiasts Adrit Medha and Spandan Debnath impressed the audience with their remarkable skills. The event also attracted a good turnout of spectators, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Representing the ISHRAE Kolkata Chapter, Shankha Bhattacharya elaborated on the various activities of ISHRAE across India. He highlighted the synergy between science, technology, and chess, drawing attention to the historical use of chess players during World Wars for decoding complex codes. Bhattacharya also emphasised the cognitive and intellectual benefits of chess for students and youth. ISHRAE Vice President Shyamal Barman mentioned that this was their second year celebrating International Chess Day and expressed their intention to continue this tradition in the future.

The top ten winners were handed over trophies by Abhijit Saha, Pritam Ghosh, Gautam Bhattacharya, and Shankha Bhattacharya. Among the nearly thirty participants, Subhabrata Roy, Paramartha Mitra, and Soham Saha secured the first, second, and third positions respectively.

The entire event including the prize distribution ceremony was coordinated, presented, and anchored by Shankha Bhattacharya, with full support from Gariahat Chess Club’s acting President Mohan Singh, Vice President Uday Singh, Secretary Abhijit Saha, and other members. The event was also attended by ISHRAE Youth Chair Partha Ghosh, Refrigeration Chair Amitrasudan Chowdhury, and several distinguished guests.

The History of Chess
Chess is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century AD, where it was known as ‘chaturanga’. The game spread to Persia, where it was referred to as ‘shatranj’, and then to the Islamic world, eventually reaching Europe by the 10th century. In Europe, the game underwent significant changes in rules and pieces, evolving into the modern game of chess as we all know today. By the 15th century, chess had become a popular pastime among European nobility.

In the 19th century, the first modern chess tournament was held in London in 1851. This period also saw the establishment of standardised rules and the formation of the first international chess organisations. The 20th century witnessed the rise of great chess players like Emanuel Lasker, José Raúl Capablanca, and Alexander Alekhine, and the development of chess theory and literature. The Cold War era was marked by intense rivalry between Soviet and American players, epitomised by the famous 1972 World Chess Championship match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky.

The Benefits of Chess
Chess is not just a game; it is a powerful educational tool that offers numerous benefits for cognitive and intellectual development. Here are some key benefits:

1. Enhances Cognitive Skills: Chess requires strategic thinking, problem-solving, and planning. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves and plan several steps ahead, which enhance cognitive abilities.
2. Improves Memory: Remembering the positions of pieces, possible moves, and strategies enhances both short-term and long-term memory.
3. Boosts Concentration: Chess demands intense concentration and focus. Players must stay attentive throughout the game to avoid mistakes and capitalise on their opponent’s errors.
4. Encourages Patience and Discipline: Chess teaches patience, as players must wait for the right moment to execute their strategies. It also instils discipline through regular practice and adherence to rules.
5. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Chess is essentially a series of problems to solve. Each move presents new challenges, requiring players to think critically and devise effective solutions.
6. Fosters Creativity: The game encourages creative thinking as players develop innovative strategies and tactics to outsmart their opponents.
7. Promotes Strategic Thinking: Chess helps players understand the importance of long-term planning and the consequences of their actions, promoting strategic thinking.
8. Improves Emotional Intelligence: Chess teaches players to manage their emotions, stay calm under pressure, and learn from their mistakes, which enhances emotional intelligence.

The History of Gariahat Chess Club, Kolkata
The Gariahat Chess Club, located in the heart of Kolkata, has a rich history dating back several decades. Established in the early 1970s, the club has been a focal point for chess enthusiasts in the city, fostering a strong community of players ranging from beginners to seasoned experts.

Initially started as a small gathering of chess lovers under the Gariahat flyover, the club quickly grew in popularity. Its strategic location made it accessible to a wide range of players, from students to professionals, who would gather to play and discuss the intricacies of the game. Over the years, the Gariahat Chess Club has hosted numerous local and regional tournaments, contributing to the development of chess talent in Kolkata and beyond.

The club is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, where players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. It has produced several notable players who have gone on to achieve success at national and international levels. The club’s commitment to promoting chess as a means of intellectual and personal development has made it a respected institution in the chess community.

In August 2018, the Kolkata Police officially inaugurated the chess club, with city-based Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, India’s second Grandmaster, in attendance.

Notable Visitors

• In 2018, GM Wesley So visited the Gariahat Chess Club and played against various club members.
• In 2019, GM Ding Liren and GM Hikaru Nakamura visited the club, playing friendly games against each other and some club members.
• In 2019, WGM Tania Sachdev played against GM Dibyendu Barua during a meet-and-greet session at Tata Steel Chess India.
• In 2023, young Grandmaster Kaustav Chatterjee inaugurated Checkmate 2023 organised by the ISHRAE Kolkata Chapter.

By integrating chess into educational programs and activities, organisations like ISHRAE can significantly contribute to the intellectual and personal development of young individuals.