Checkmate for Change: A Helping Hands & SRCA initiative towards a Brighter Future for Delhi’s emerging Chess Talent
Helping Hands is thrilled to announce its commitment to nurturing young chess talent in Delhi. Partnering with the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA), this initiative, Checkmate for Change, aims to support two promising chess players in their journey to excellence by 2025. This initiative reflects Helping Hands' mission of empowering youth by breaking down financial and logistical barriers that often limit access to high-level training and tournament experiences.
Why Helping Hands Chose Chess as a Platform for Empowerment
Chess is more than a game; it's a powerful tool for personal development, teaching focus, discipline, resilience amongst many other traits. By supporting young chess players, Helping Hands aims to equip them with critical life skills.
Chess encourages them to set and achieve goals, face challenges with confidence, and learn from both victories and setbacks.
How SRCA Coaches & Mentors are Working Towards This Vision.
SRCA’s coaches are devoted to helping young players excel both on and off the board. These experienced mentors provide:
- Structured Training to enhance techniques, strategic depth, and mental resilience.
- Guidance on Career Opportunities through scholarships, higher education pathways, and preparation for government roles that value analytical skills and strategic thinking.
- Mentorship for Growth in a positive, motivating environment where every move is a step closer to success.
Case Study 1:
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, one of the rising stars in the chess world, recently secured a significant sponsorship of $150,000 from Quantbox Research, a proprietary trading firm. This sponsorship is intended to support Arjun's ongoing training, tournament participation, and personal development as he strives for further success on the global stage.
Quantbox Research’s sponsorship underscores the increasing support for chess in India and highlights the growing interest in nurturing young chess talents. This partnership will likely make a significant impact on Arjun’s career trajectory, facilitating his journey toward more prestigious titles and furthering his contributions to Indian chess.
Today, Arjun Erigaisi proudly holds the number 2 ranking with an impressive ELO rating of 2800.
Empowering Delhi’s Young Chess Players
As part of the Checkmate for Change initiative, Helping Hands and SRCA will provide:
- High-Quality Coaching: Intensive, structured training by SRCA’s nationally recognized coaches, honing young players’ competitive skills.
- Financial Assistance: Covering costs for tournament participation, travel, and essential resources, freeing players to focus on their progress.
- Access to Learning Resources: We’ll be gathering a collection of chess books, chess sets, laptops and other resources, available to any aspiring chess player in Delhi, encouraging broader access to educational material.
Empowering Youth Beyond the Game
Delhi is home to approximately 10,000 active chess players, many of whom face financial and logistical challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Our initiative aims to bridge these gaps, providing a sustainable path for these young athletes to excel.
Supporting Chess with Technology
As part of our mission, we invite companies like Dell, HP, and Lenovo to contribute by donating laptops. These devices will enable players to study online resources, analyze games, and practice with advanced software that is crucial for modern chess training.
Volunteer to Make a Difference
If you’re a chess enthusiast, you can support these players by volunteering your time as a mentor or trainer. Your guidance could be invaluable in helping them refine their skills. Each volunteer will receive a certificate from Helping Hands & SRCA, recognizing their contribution to this meaningful cause.
Educational & Career Pathways Through Chess
Chess offers vast opportunities—from scholarships to benefits in government jobs. Helping Hands will guide young players on how to leverage their chess achievements to access these pathways, laying a foundation for long-term success.
Join Us in Supporting Hidden Chess Talents
Individuals and corporations can join Checkmate for Change by donating or sponsoring young players. Donations are eligible for tax rebates under Section 80G, making your support not only impactful but also tax-efficient. By contributing, you’re helping build a brighter future for Delhi’s youth.
If you know of an aspiring chess talent in Delhi who could benefit from this program, please share their details with us. Together, we can ensure that financial limitations don’t stand in the way of a player’s potential.
Helping Hands' Broader Impact
Helping Hands has positively impacted communities through initiatives like:
- 1,000+ Blood Donation Drives
- 2,500+ Medicine Donations
- 500+ Plantation Drives
- Comprehensive Healthcare Programs
This new focus on chess talents extends our mission, empowering youth with confidence, resilience, and strategic thinking skills that are essential for personal and professional success.