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Find out more about Ankit

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  Chess has been a hobby of mine since childhood. The story behind it is quite interesting. On my birthday, my cousin gifted me a chessboard, unaware that my father was proficient in chess himself, although he had never mentioned it to me. Upon receiving the chessboard, my father began teaching me the game. Initially, I lost continuity, like any beginner. When I turned 10, I started assisting my father in his transportation business, eventually taking on more responsibility as I grew older. During one of his trips out of town, my father entrusted me with managing the business. This proved to be a turning point for me. I began playing chess with one of the truck drivers, who happened to be skilled at the game. Despite living in a small town where chess wasn't widely known, I learned from him. Eventually, I expressed my desire to participate in the district chess championship to my father, who supported my decision. In that tournament, I secured the 4th position at the district level, which marked the beginning of my journey in competitive chess. Since then, I have been consistently participating in tournaments, striving to improve my skills.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  When I began learning chess from the truck driver and my father, I noticed an influx of children coming to my shop to play with me. Curious, I asked them if they enjoyed playing the game. They responded enthusiastically, questioning why they would come to the shop every day if they didn't like playing. This moment made me realize the potential to offer training, so I started providing free lessons to underprivileged individuals. Surprisingly, they showed remarkable improvement. However, I didn't have any knowledge about online coaching at the time. After completing my engineering degree and relocating to a larger city, I decided to continue running the coaching center. My six-year-old daughter's involvement in district-level tournaments also motivated me. Despite being an engineer with limited time, I sought out chess teachers online and offline, only to find their fees exorbitant. This realization prompted me to offer training at a much more affordable rate, ensuring that even middle and lower-class individuals could access chess education.

• How does your work help society?

  Learning chess not only enhances our ability to play the game but also equips us with valuable life skills. It teaches us the importance of stepping back when faced with challenges and approaching the next move with determination. Furthermore, it instills patience and the ability to handle pressure effectively. In society, the benefits of learning chess are significant. Chess serves as a constructive and enjoyable recreational activity, offering individuals a means to unwind and alleviate stress. By promoting chess as a leisure pursuit, Chess Cochin fosters healthy alternatives to less productive pastimes. Particularly for children and young people, chess imparts essential life lessons such as patience, discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  My role models are my father and the truck driver who helped me learn chess. Additionally, I admire Praggnanandhaa R for his profound understanding of the game and his innovative strategic approach. Beyond his playing career, his dedication to both excellence in play and the advancement of chess education makes me a compelling role model for those involved in teaching and promoting the game. His ability to inspire others to appreciate and engage with chess speaks to the broader impact that dedicated individuals can have on the world of chess and society at large. Also, Kasparov's too.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  I enjoy playing chess during most of my free time, followed by spending time with my one-year-old and six-year-old daughters. Additionally, I watch videos and movies to further improve myself.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  Absolutely! One anecdote that comes to mind is about a student I had who initially struggled with grasping certain chess strategies. Despite facing difficulties, this student exhibited remarkable perseverance and dedication. Through consistent practice and guidance, I witnessed significant improvement in their gameplay over time. Eventually, they not only mastered the strategies they found challenging but also developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of the game. It was truly rewarding to see their growth and enthusiasm for chess flourish throughout our time together.