Over 300 students participate at National School Games 2024 — Chess Competition hosted by The Heritage School

The Heritage School, Kolkata, is hosting the 68th National School Games 2024—Chess Competition at the school premises from Tuesday, November 19. The competition, which features students from across the country, will continue until Friday, November 21.

Shri Binod Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Education, Government of West Bengal, was the Chief Guest at the grand inaugural ceremony. Over 300 students from various schools across the country participated in the event.

Kumar stressed the importance of sports for students' holistic development and wished all the students participating in the event to give their best.

"India has brilliant up-and-coming chess players. Participation in such competitions is very fulfilling and reaching a national platform like this is a matter of pride. I wish that students participating in today's chess competition rise to the international level and earn a name for the country in the future," said Binod Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Arijit Basu, Deputy Secretary- Finance, CISCE, said that the competition is an excellent platform for chess lovers where they can prove themselves. Arnab Shaw, Sports Manager, CISCE was also present at the ceremony.

The inaugural ceremony was also addressed by Seema Sapru, Principal, The Heritage School, PK Agarwal, CEO, KBT, Ranjan Mitter, Principal, The Future Foundation School and Principal Coordinator, CISCE Sports & Games (WB & NE Region), Shailesh Pandey, Joint Sports Coordinator, CISCE Sports and Games, West Bengal and Northeast and various other dignitaries.

PK Agarwal emphasised on the mental wellness of children and said that Chess is brilliant game that improves the mental health of students.

"It is a game where you can think creatively and compete against each other as teams. It is a wonderful platform where all the brilliant players across the country have assembled and will be showcasing their skills. Participating at a national platform like this will boost their morale," said Agarwal.

Over the three days of the competition, the event will witness the participation of students from the CBSE, CISCE and various state boards. The closing ceremony will be held on November 21 and will be graced by Chess Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua.