Dated 3rd October 2014, Time: 11:00 AM
On the auspicious day of Dusshera, Asian Deputy President and AICF CEO Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan along with Gujarat State Chess Association President Mr. Ajay Patel inaugurated Sardar Patel Chess College in Ahmedabad.
First ever Chess College in India was named after the Iron Man of India. Sardar Patel Chess College is affiliated under Swarnim Gujarat Sports University, which is recognized by UGC under section (2f) of the UGC Act 1956.
While inaugurating the college, Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan stated that this initiative will specialize in degrees in Chess Training, helping create recognized coaches at the local level, thereby strengthening the base of the Chess in Schools program. He appreciated the efforts made in Gujarat, calling it commendable development in the Prime Minister's home state.
On this occasion, Mr. Ajay Patel stated that this marks the first step in revolutionizing chess in Gujarat and India. Following guidance from the then-Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, GSCA has worked to position chess as a tool for youth development and crime reduction. The aim is to provide structured coaching and infrastructure across 8000 villages in Gujarat, promoting employment and talent in chess.
Mr. Bhavesh Patel, Managing Trustee of Chess Education Trust and Secretary of GSCA, acknowledged Swarnim Gujarat Sports University for their support. He announced programs like Certification in Chess Training and Diploma in Chess Training (6-month duration). FIDE-certified programs will also be run in collaboration with AICF, under guidance from GM Tejas Bakre and IM Shekhar Sahu. Mr. Joy Chouhan was appointed as the Principal, and the faculty includes NI Ankit Dalal, FI Nirav Rajasuba, FI Arpi Shah, Mr. Mayur Patel, and IA Indubhai Parmar.
The college was inaugurated at Tirth Chess Club, Ahmedabad, and will be managed by the Chess Education Trust. Further details will be available at: www.chesscollege.in
In Pics:
1st Pic: Deputy President of Asian Chess Federation Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan and GSCA President Mr. Ajay Patel inaugurating the college with Secretary Mr. Bhavesh Patel, Jt Secretary Mr. Ankit Dalal, and MLA Mr. Rakeshbhai Shah.
2nd Pic: Centre: Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan with Mr. Ajay Patel, GM Tejas Bakre, Mr. Mayur Patel, Mr. Samir Shah, Mr. Bhavesh Patel, Mr. Rakeshbhai Shah, Dr. D.G. Choudary, and Mr. Joy Chauhan.