The Rai Sahab Council for Sports & Education believes that Sports and Education can make
a difference in the lives of those in different social classes. By bridging the gap between
social classes and creating opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the
Council believes that Sports can help to create a better world. The Council has created
initiatives that use Chess as a way to provide tools to develop educational growth, personal
growth, discipline, critical thinking skills, emotional resilience, and focus. These initiatives
provide children and adults with tools to enhance their lives through a skill-based opportunity
that contributes to building connections and social relationships. As we continue to live in an
increasingly digital and fast-paced world, more and more children and adults are
experiencing the effects of becoming increasingly reliant upon their devices. The Council’s
social initiatives provide opportunities to create positive skill-based experiences that are
beneficial for mental health and the building of positive social connections.
Ongoing Programs
The Chess in Schools Project is our primary social initiative which was launched in
October,2024. The purpose of this initiative is to integrate chess as part of educational
systems in schools. It is a free service so all students can have the same opportunity to
receive quality chess training regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Program Goals
To use chess as an educational tool for cognitive development
To reduce digital addictive behaviours in child students
To facilitate the development of problem-solving, strategic thinking and decision-making skills in children
To instil discipline, patience and sportsmanship in children from an early age.
Program Impact
The Chess in Schools Project has made significant progress since its launch:
Over 5,000 trained chess players
Over 300 participating schools
The increased amount of expenditures demonstrates the Council’s strong commitment to
delivering quality education, developing infrastructure, employing certified instructors and
providing long-term benefits rather than just short-term financial success.
How does the Program Work?
The program is delivered through:
Structured Workshop and Training Sessions
Certified Chess Trainers and FIDE Licensed Professionals
Workshop Sessions Provided at Age Appropriate Learning Levels
Interactive Play Sessions which Combine Theory and Practical Play.
By promoting chess in school environments, we enable students to develop life skills that are
beneficial in and beyond Chess across their entire lives.
Future Programs
In addition to the extraordinary success of Chess in School, the Rai Sahab Council is looking
to remove barriers and expand the various social outreach efforts they have developed
through specific programs tailored for all segments of society.
Chess for Persons with Disabilities
This program is designed specifically for persons with physical disabilities to provide
them with a customized training program in chess. Chess provides an equal
opportunity for all individuals based on their intellect and ability to strategize rather
than their physical strength, which gives individuals confidence and independence.
Chess for Autistic Children
There have been several documented benefits for children on the Autism spectrum
from learning chess, including improved attention span, better control over their
emotions, and greater structure in thought processes. The Chess for Autistic Children
program will deliver instructional techniques that are specifically developed for this
demographic and provided by experienced professionals to promote cognitive and
emotional growth.
Chess in Prison
The Chess in Prison program aims to provide inmates with a meaningful path toward rehabilitation and personal growth through the strategic game of chess. This interactive, project-based initiative uses structured chess modules to teach essential life skills such as patience, self-discipline, critical thinking, and decision-making.
By dedicating time to learning and practicing chess, inmates develop forward thinking, emotional control, and problem-solving abilities. Chess becomes more than a gameāit serves as a powerful tool for behavioral transformation, helping improve mental well-being, build self-confidence, and encourage positive life choices beyond prison walls.
Chess for Senior Citizens
This program is designed to help seniors develop mental agility and social
interaction, as well as overall emotional well-being. Chess can help to maintain their
cognitive function and provide a sense of community and purpose in their lives.