In a significant step to uplift India’s growing chess talent, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company (Chola) has unveiled Chola Chess, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young chess players from across the country.In collaboration with the reputed Chess Gurukul academy and under the expert mentorship of Grandmaster RB Ramesh, the program has been designed to go beyond regular coaching, offering a comprehensive development pathway for budding talents at the grassroots level.
At the heart of the initiative is the newly launched website — CholaChess.com — where young players with a FIDE rating of around 1400 can apply. Applicants are asked to detail their playing experience and the kind of expert support they are looking for. Coaches from the academy will evaluate the applications and select candidates for further training.
The program offers specialized five- to seven-day residential camps that are structured across six FIDE rating categories, ranging from 1400 to 3000. Training sessions will not only focus on high-level chess instruction but also include modules on psychological resilience, physical fitness, nutrition, and communication skills — aiming to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the rigours of top-tier competition.
Grandmaster RB Ramesh emphasized that the vision behind Chola Chess extends beyond producing champions. “The goal is to nurture individuals who are disciplined, strategic thinkers with the confidence to take on challenges,” he said.
Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Chairman of Chola, pointed out the growing enthusiasm for chess among India’s youth and the need for a systematic support system. “There’s immense potential in the country. With Chola Chess, we aim to create a nationwide platform that brings structured, high-quality training within reach of serious learners,” he noted.
The launch event, held at the newly established Chola Chess Centre in Chennai, was graced by legendary Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, who delivered the keynote address and praised the initiative for investing in India’s chess future.