“At Premier Chess Academy (PCA), our vision is to transform kids into the world of chess & support them along the transition. Each and every kid at PCA deserves a special appreciation but we have shortlisted (selection criteria below) the students. Friendly advice, “for student’s those who didn’t make it through – you will make it one day and for those who are the stars of the month – continue the practice as your bar goes up”.
Here we go to recognize the stars of the month (May 2026) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Aarush Akula
” The past 8 months have been a great learning curve for Aarush with respect to chess. He had very little knowledge on chess and now he understands all the basics and rules on how to play the game. He participated in his first offline tournament today and was very much excited. He got a chance to play with much older kids who had good USCF ratings. I think he is on the right path to learn the game and excel.”
Coach feedback on Aarush:
”I am really happy with Aarush’s performance in chess class. In class and in tournaments he is doing very well. He calculates tactics so well and he also loves playing endgame. Aarush asked me a lot of chess questions in class. Congrats for your star of the month dear Aarush and I wish you all the best for all success. Keep it up.”
Few games of Aarush:
https://lichess.org/W5kWb5dA/black
. https://lichess.org/b9Nas83x
2. Anvith
” My name is Anvith! I’m a 12-year-old interested in soccer, chess and basketball. I’ve been playing chess for 4 years, and my favorite opening is the London System. I would like to thank my coach, Ashutosh Joshi, for guiding me in chess practice. He puts in a lot of effort to make sure everyone understands the concepts clearly. Thanks to PCA for providing this wonderful platform!”
Coach feedback on Anvith:
” Anvith is always passionate to explore, already very knowledgeable but keen to learn more! He has been persistent in Game play as well as tackling new challenges coming his way. Superb instincts backed by good logical thinking. All the best”
Few games of Anvith:
https://lichess.org/yvuaemVZ/black
3. Arnav kumbum
” Arnav is 13 years old and is going to 5th grade. Ever since his uncle introduced him to chess, Arnav was hooked. He has had a huge interest in chess for a long time and regularly competes in tournaments and contests. Along with chess, he loves painting, swimming, and soccer. Arnav is very passionate about art, engineering, and math. We want to thank PCA & Coach Sahil Batra for inspiring Arnav and helping him develop his skills in chess. We hope Arnav keeps up the good work.”
Coach feedback on Arnav:
” Arnav is a very passionate, focused and intelligent kid. He is also fun-loving and very respectful. He is known for his witty storytelling skills and “professor dino” Username in the class. He learns everything with dedication, and he can grasp things very quickly and easily. His progress has been very fast with consistency. He is doing great and I hope will do great in the future. Being a coach I’m very happy to have Arnav as my student and my best wishes will always follow his path”
Few games of Arnav:
https://lichess.org/2ol1hY0V/white
https://lichess.org/KobSnh1k/black
https://lichess.org/W71ED130/black
4. Aviraj Singh Sachdev
” Aviraj Singh Sachdev is a 10-year-old in Grade 5 whose chess journey reflects resilience, determination, and passion. What began as a way to overcome bullying and prove himself soon turned into a true love for the game. With his curious mind and strategic thinking, Aviraj dedicated himself to improving his skills and proudly earned the title of “Grandmaster of Chess” at school. He aspires to make history in the chess world and become a role model for future generations. Beyond chess, Aviraj excels in mathematics and is always eager to learn new things and take on new challenges. He has a remarkable passion for cricket and is known for his impressive knowledge of players, scores, run rates, and cricket history. He also loves swimming, especially in open waters, where his adventurous spirit shines. Known for his humorous personality, kind heart, and confidence, Aviraj continues to inspire those around him with his perseverance and positive attitude.”
Coach feedback on Aviraj:
” Aviraj is a talented student, and he is doing really well in chess matches. I’ve been incredibly impressed by his tactical vision and the way he finds solutions to tough puzzles is brilliant. His dedication to learning and improving during our classes is paying off in a big way. If he continues to put in the hard work like he is doing right now, he is going to have an incredible future in chess. Super proud of you Aviraj, keep it up!”
Few games of Aviraj:
https://lichess.org/t45hLHbG/black
5. Kabir Khatri
”Meet Kabir, a rising 6th grader who has been mastering the chessboard for over three years. While he loves delivering a strategic checkmate, Kabir’s ultimate dream is to become a professional cricketer. He uniquely bridges his two passions by applying chess tactics, focus, and patience directly to his cricket game. Kabir is a brilliant example of how intellectual strategy fuels athletic excellence. Congratulations, Kabir!.”
Coach feedback on Kabir:
” Kabir is a very enthusiastic kid. He loves to learn chess. I can see his improvement with his strong mindset. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. I wish him a very bright future ahead.”
Few games of Kabir:
https://lichess.org/rcMo0Fch/black
6. Kabir Soni
” Kabir is an 8-year-old energetic and curious third grader from New York, USA, whose journey of learning and growth began with chess. Introduced to the game by his dad and brother, Kabir quickly developed a strong interest in strategy, problem-solving, and thinking ahead. What started as a fun family activity soon became a passion that encouraged him to challenge himself and learn with patience and focus. To further develop his skills, Kabir joined PCA, where under Coach Aniket’s guidance, he has grown into a confident and independent tournament player. Chess has not only strengthened his concentration and discipline but has also helped shape his overall personality and love for learning. Beyond chess, Kabir enjoys math, solving puzzles, building with LEGO, and playing Roblox. He also loves basketball, swimming, bike riding, family movie nights, and learning new languages on Duolingo with his dad. Recently, he has also started learning to play the recorder, adding another creative skill to his growing list of interests. Kabir continues to grow every day — both as a chess player and as a well-rounded young learner.”
Coach feedback on Kabir:
” Kabir has shown remarkable growth as a young chess player since joining PCA. Under Coach Aniket’s guidance, he has developed strong strategic thinking, improved focus, and the confidence to compete independently in tournaments. His curiosity, discipline, and willingness to learn make him a joy to coach. What stands out most about Kabir is his positive attitude and dedication. He approaches every session with energy and enthusiasm, always eager to understand new concepts and improve his game. Over time, he has become more patient in his decision-making and more confident in handling challenging positions during games. Beyond chess, Kabir’s love for learning, problem-solving, and creative activities reflects in the way he approaches the game. His balanced interests and supportive family environment continue to help him grow not only as a chess player, but also as a thoughtful and well-rounded young learner. It has been wonderful to be part of Kabir’s journey, and I look forward to seeing his continued progress both on and off the chessboard.”
Few games of Kabir:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/173349174259?username=sonicspeeed07&move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/173347972869?username=sonicspeeed07&move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/173345571279?username=sonicspeeed07&move=0
7. Kavin Prabu
” Kavin Prabu, 13 years old lives in Georgia, is a disciplined kid who loves chess, reading books, math, and swimming. He enjoys participating in daily chess tournaments and always tries his best to learn and improve. Outside of chess, he is on the swim team and plays the trumpet in a band. He is proud to be selected as Star Kid of the Month.”
Coach feedback on Kavin:
” Kavin was very enthusiastic and always very active in the class. He’s a quick learner & his interest towards chess is impressive. He never fails to impress by coming up with his own unique combinations in every game he plays or in every puzzle he solves. His energy level is very high, along with his smartness he’s capable of achieving great heights in the future. I wish him all the very best for his upcoming chess achievements.”
Few games of Kavin:
https://lichess.org/833qkuPd/black
https://lichess.org/ns4vesa7/black
8. Aariketh Rayabarapu
” Aariketh is a fun-loving and curious kid who enjoys both outdoor adventures and brainy games. He loves playing soccer and pickleball and is always excited to stay active and have fun with friends. At the same time, he enjoys indoor games like chess, Uno, carrom, and even coding, where he gets to think, create, and solve problems. Aariketh is always eager to learn something new and loves trying out different challenges with excitement and curiosity.”
Coach feedback on Aariketh:
” Aariketh has shown impressive focus and steady progress in his chess journey. He listens carefully, learns from his mistakes, and applies new ideas thoughtfully in every game. His logical thinking and calm approach under pressure highlight his growing maturity as a chess player. Keep going, Aariketh. Your consistency, curiosity, and dedication are truly commendable and you’re building a strong foundation for great success ahead”
Few games of Aariketh:
https://lichess.org/IMlP5c3g/black
https://lichess.org/9lYVgKD8/black
9. Moksha Kodavali
” Moksha is 7 years old and in 1st grade. He is funny and very friendly with his family and friends. He is always curious and enjoys learning new things. In his free time, he likes playing with LEGO, dancing, and watching movies or TV. He is also enjoying playing chess and continues to improve his skills. Special thanks to his coaches, Harshraj Gupta, Abhinandhan Ganguly and Rakshan. for guiding him in his chess journey.”
Coach feedback on Moksha:
” Moksha has shown impressive focus and steady progress in his chess journey. He listens carefully, learns from his mistakes, and applies new ideas thoughtfully in every game. His logical thinking and calm approach under pressure highlight his growing maturity as a chess player. Keep going, Moksha! Your consistency, curiosity, and dedication are truly commendable — you’re building a strong foundation for great success ahead! ♟”
Few games of Moksha:
https://lichess.org/Q9qKRmc4/black#0
https://lichess.org/h3yBoLkr/black
10.Nibir Kalita
”Nibir, (aged 10, grade 4) from Chicago, USA, has shown tremendous growth in chess over the past several months under the guidance of Coach Karthik. His skills, confidence, and strategic thinking have improved significantly, and it has been wonderful to see his tournament performances reflect that progress. As his ratings have steadily increased, so has his passion and love for the game. What started as an interest has now become something he genuinely enjoys and looks forward to. We are very proud of his dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm for learning chess. We sincerely appreciate the dedication, guidance, and hard work of Coach Karthik and the entire PCA team in nurturing his growth. Mr. Karthik is an inspiring chess teacher who makes every lesson enjoyable and insightful. For Nibir, chess isn’t just about the board — it helps him understand everything better.”
Coach feedback on Nibir:
”Nibir is really performing better every day, I have seen him rectifying himself whenever we find any mistakes with his games. He keeps learning new things and memorizing them. He tries to practice in his available time. It clearly shows his love and passion towards the game. He is very focused in regular sessions & always tries to implement the concept in his own games. He is very active and a Regular Student of PCA Chess Sessions, which is highly appreciable. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career…!!”
Few games of Nibir:
https://lichess.org/p9MmDgbP/white
https://lichess.org/dcpKRc3O/white
https://lichess.org/Kfbo5WKf/black
https://lichess.org/EJtwqw4W/white
11.Praneel Ratan Vadlamudi
” Praneel Ratan Vadlamudi, a 5th grader, was first introduced to chess through a multi-game wooden board set that he received as a gift, where chess quickly stood out among the games. Like many kids his age, Praneel initially spent much of his free time playing video games with friends, but his interest in chess has grown steadily over time. Since joining the academy, his enthusiasm has truly taken off—he now actively watches instructional videos, learns new techniques, and applies them in his games. Inspired by his favorite player, Magnus Carlsen, Praneel is developing a deeper understanding of strategy and improving with each session. Beyond chess, he enjoys playing tennis and is an avid reader, having completed the entire Harry Potter series as well as books on Greek and Norse mythology. Academically bright, he has also demonstrated excellence by winning his school’s spelling bee. We are thrilled that he has been selected as one of the Stars of the Month and hope the academy continues to nurture his passion and help him go much further in his chess journey.”
Coach feedback on Praneel:
” Praneel has displayed remarkable sincerity and passion towards learning chess. He has been punctual and consistent in attending classes, always showing a keen interest in understanding new ideas and strategies. His concentration during sessions and his ability to grasp concepts quickly have been highly impressive. Praneel has especially improved in areas like decision-making, tactical awareness, and planning during games. What makes him special is his willingness to learn from mistakes and continuously challenge himself to perform better. He approaches every session with a positive attitude and gives his best effort in both practice and tournament games. His determination, disciplined approach, and growing confidence on the board have earned him this recognition. Praneel’s progress this month has been truly commendable, and he is on a great path toward becoming a stronger player with consistent effort and practice. Congratulations to Praneel for being chosen as the Star Kid of May! 🌟♟️”
Few games of Praneel:
https://lichess.org/MaeoK4Ly/black
https://lichess.org/vRJhlde9/black
12. Riaan Vichare
” Riaan is an 8-year-old third grader from Illinois. His journey with Premier Chess Academy started 2 years ago and he looks forward to his chess lessons every week. Riaan is keen to learn new concepts and try them out during games. Riaan loves his weekly chess lessons and competitive games with his batch mates. In addition to chess, Riaan enjoys playing soccer and playing with his friends. Coach Aniket creates a competitive and fun environment during the weekly lessons that make every class an exciting experience. In addition to lessons, Riaan loves to play puzzles on Lichess. We are very proud of the progress Riaan has made so far.”
Coach feedback on Riaan:
” Riaan is always excited to learn new things and looks forward to attending every class. He actively participates in all sessions and is always eager to answer questions first. He has enthusiastically taken part in practice activities and games, showing great interest and involvement throughout. Riaan is very good at solving puzzles and enjoys playing games that challenge his thinking skills. He also has a positive attitude toward learning from his mistakes and makes sincere efforts not to repeat them. I am extremely happy with his progress and growth. Congratulations, Riaan, on being the Star Kid of the Month!”
Few games of Riaan:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/172656656303?username=rivic15&move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/172655455727?username=rivic15&move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/172654254147?username=rivic15
13. Avish Batra
” We are incredibly proud of Avish Batra for being chosen as the Star of the Month for April! At just 7 years old and a 2nd grader, Avish continues to impress us with his bright mind, kind heart, and positive attitude. He is a caring and helpful child who spreads happiness wherever he goes. Avish loves staying active—whether it’s athletics, swimming, or soccer—and he brings that same energy and dedication to everything he does. His passion for chess at Premier Chess is truly inspiring. He is always eager to learn new moves and strategies, showing great focus, patience, and determination in every class. Watching his confidence grow with each game makes us so happy. We are so proud of his achievements and the wonderful person he is becoming.”
Coach feedback on Avish:
”Avish is really performing better and better every day; I have seen him rectifying himself whenever we find any mistakes with his games. He keeps learning new things and memorizing them. He tries to practice in his available time. It clearly shows his love and passion towards the game. He is very focused in regular sessions & always tries to implement the concept in his own games. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career.!!”
Few games of Avish:
https://lichess.org/Tu8cAi6J/black
https://lichess.org/z293zQCd/black
14.Srikar Mellachervu
” Srikar is in 7th grade and is based in Celina,TX. He started playing chess 3 years back and has shown tremendous dedication and growth in chess through consistent hard work, patience, and determination. Although chess was challenging at first, he never gave up and continued to push himself to improve with every class and every game. One of his greatest strengths is his calm and patient mindset, which helps him stay focused even during difficult matches. He always gives his best effort, learns from his mistakes, and approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and a “never give up” spirit. Over time, his passion and interest in chess have grown tremendously, and it has been wonderful to see his confidence and strategic thinking develop. We are very proud of his perseverance, sportsmanship, and commitment, and are excited to see his continued journey in chess.”
Coach feedback on Srikar:
”Srikar is a great boy, and persistence towards his goals, he never backs down against tough players and always likes to fight till the end, this persistence is helping him to learn new skills and day by day he is improving his playing style. He is very talented, a quick learner and very good at chess puzzles and always surprises me with some innovative moves. He grasps the topic quickly and always tries to implement those learning in chess matches, with this consistency he definitely has a bright future in chess. Best wishes for him. Keep it up my CHAMP!”
Few games of Srikar:
https://lichess.org/h6RUjdWg/black
15. Vidith Tatikonda
” Vidith is a 10-year-old 4th grade student who is passionate about learning and growing both academically and personally. His hobbies include playing chess, soccer, basketball, cricket and taekwondo and he also enjoys spending time and playing with his little sister. Vidith first started playing chess with his dad, and over time he developed a strong interest and love for the game. Through dedication, practice, and enthusiasm, he continues to improve his skills and confidence in chess. One of Vidith’s greatest strengths is his ability to balance academics and extracurricular activities so well. We are thankful to his coach Swarnim and PCA academy for their continuous guidance, encouragement, and support in helping him learn chess better and shine in it.”
Coach feedback on Vidith:
” Vidith has earned his place as one of our Star Kids this month through his steady commitment and visible growth in his chess journey. His thoughtful approach to the game, combined with a willingness to explore and learn, has made him stand out. Vidith has demonstrated an increasing depth in his play. He continues to show patience in decision-making, resilience in challenging positions, and a growing sense of confidence at the board. His quiet consistency and eagerness to improve reflect qualities that are essential in long-term development. Vidith progress is a testament to what focused effort and a curious mindset can achieve. We look forward to seeing him continue this promising path, and we are excited for what lies ahead in his journey.”
Few games of Vidith:
https://lichess.org/BQW4wTfh/black
https://lichess.org/Ee2sXQDX/black
16. Ivyaan Sharma
”Ivyaan recently secured a place in the National Top 100 list for over-the-board chess ratings in the “Age 7 and Under” category. Additionally, he is ranked among the Top 100 nationally in the “Under 18 Online Quick” category as well. Currently, he is one of the top three players in North Carolina for his age and grade group and has won over 15+ tournament trophies including NC State Championship in 2025 and the recent regional Chess K-1 Championship a few weeks ago.”
Coach feedback on Ivyaan:
”Ivyaan is a very enthusiastic kid. He loves to learn chess. I can see his improvement with his strong mindset. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. I wish him a very bright future ahead.”
Few games of Ivyaan:
. https://www.chess.com/game/live/173262773859?username=kingslayer0199&move=0
. https://www.chess.com/game/live/173261570999?username=kingslayer0199&move=0
. https://www.chess.com/game/live/173260370809?username=kingslayer0199&move=0
17.Rithvik Prasath
” Rithvik is a talented 12-year-old chess player who discovered the game at the age of 6. Entirely self-taught through watching YouTube videos, he quickly developed a genuine passion for chess and has been steadily improving ever since. What began as a casual interest has grown into a deep love for the game. Rithvik spends countless hours studying new strategies, analysing positions, and sharpening his tactical skills. His dedication and natural curiosity drive him to constantly challenge himself and seek out tougher opponents and competitions. Beyond chess, Rithvik has a strong passion for mathematics. He credits his love for math with significantly enhancing his logical thinking, pattern recognition, problem-solving abilities, and concentration at the board. This unique combination of interests has helped him become a more disciplined and strategic player.Dedicated, curious, and always eager to learn, Rithvik embodies the true spirit of a young chess enthusiast. His journey is a wonderful example of what passion, self-motivation, and consistent effort can achieve.”
Coach feedback on Rithvik:
” Rithvik is a very nice and mature kid. He is always eager for new topics, puzzle competitions, whatever it is he is always ready to take on challenges. He is good at interaction and also very sharp. He always completes his assigned tasks and keeps up practicing in his free hours. He always deals with all his mistakes with a sweet smile. Being a coach I’m really very happy to have him and my best wishes will always follow his path. Good Luck Rithvik!”
Few games of Rithvik:
https://lichess.org/1KOUHGTg/black
https://lichess.org/wxLRGJxS/black
https://lichess.org/cakTSf5Y
18. Sathvik Vadivelan
” Sathvik Vadivelan is a dynamic 9-year-old chess enthusiast from the Philadelphia suburbs in Pennsylvania. A bright 3rd grader at Arrowhead Elementary School, Sathvik balances his deep passion for strategic thinking with a vibrant mix of creative and outdoor interests. When he isn’t masterminding his next move on the chessboard or practicing the keyboard, he can be found building intricate LEGO creations. Driven by adventure, he loves spending his free time hiking, camping, and riding his scooter outdoors. Guided by a strong dedication to the game, Sathvik is focused on honing his skills to become a highly accomplished, established chess player in the future. He happily resides with his parents and elder sister.”
Coach feedback on Sathvik:
” Sathvik earned his place as one of our Star Kids through his steady commitment and visible growth in his chess journey. His thoughtful approach to the game, combined with a willingness to explore and learn, has made him stand out. He continues to show patience in decision-making, resilience in challenging positions, and a growing sense of confidence at the board. He’s quiet consistency and eagerness to improve reflect qualities that are essential in long-term development. I look forward to seeing him continue this promising path, and we are excited for what lies ahead in his journey.”
Few games of Sathvik:
19. Samar Jashnani
”At just 7 years old and currently in 2nd grade, Samar has already developed an incredible passion for chess. His love for the game began at a very early age, inspired by his dad, with whom he would spend hours playing and learning together. What started as family bonding quickly grew into a genuine enthusiasm for strategy, problem-solving, and competition. Beyond chess, he is an intelligent, energetic child who also enjoys playing tennis and is excited to soon join a swim team. Whether on the chessboard, the tennis court, or in the pool, he brings dedication, focus, and a positive attitude to everything he does. Known for his kind heart and friendly nature, Samar enjoys encouraging others and making friends along the way. Premier Chess Academy has become an important part of his journey, helping him continue to grow both as a chess player and as a young individual.”
Coach feedback on Samar:
”Samar is a very bright and enthusiastic young chess player with a genuine love for learning the game. Even at such a young age, he shows excellent focus, curiosity, and the willingness to improve every day. He is always eager to learn new concepts, take on challenges, and apply what he learns during training sessions and games. What stands out most about Samar is not only his growing chess skills, but also his attitude and character. He is respectful, disciplined, and brings positive energy to every class. He interacts well with fellow students, enjoys healthy competition, and is always encouraging and friendly towards others. Samar’s dedication, passion, and determination are truly admirable. He has great potential for continuous growth in the years ahead. It is truly a pleasure to watch him progress”
Few games of Samar:
https://lichess.org/tournament/alNkj8Yq
https://lichess.org/tournament/dYv0mJ7V
20. Pragna Chigurupati
” Pragna – cute sister, wonderful daughter and a very good student. She’s very focused on her goal and works hard to achieve it. All the best to you Pragna. – Amma, Daddy and Shrinija.”
Coach feedback on Pragna:
”Pragna is a smart, intelligent, and interactive kid. She is a quick learner and is very passionate about chess. She is very regular in attending the sessions. She is good at playing games and has strong puzzle-solving skills as well. Her progress has been very impressive so far. She is doing wonderfully, and I am confident that she will continue to achieve great success in the future.”
Few games of Pragna:
https://lichess.org/FDstRTth#30
https://lichess.org/TxkFyu90#18
21. Geetham Kumar V
”Geetham is a bright and enthusiastic 13-year-old who has a deep interest in chess and truly enjoys learning and improving his game. He is very sportive in nature, always showing positivity, determination, and a great team spirit both on and off the chessboard. It has been wonderful to see his confidence, focus, and strategic thinking grow through consistent practice and dedication. GEETHAM loves challenging himself with new chess concepts, solving puzzles, and giving his best effort in every class and tournament opportunity. We are sincerely thankful to Premier Chess Academy for providing such a motivating and encouraging environment for young learners to grow and succeed. A special heartfelt thanks to Coach Rohit for his patience, guidance, and continuous support. His teaching style has made Geetham’s chess journey both enjoyable and meaningful, inspiring him to learn with confidence and passion every day.”
Coach feedback on Geetham:
” Geetham is a passionate and self-motivated chess player who loves to play chess. His ability to catch new concepts and apply them in games is quite remarkable. He enjoys his chess classes and is very active while doing puzzles and finding alternate solutions for class exercises. Keep improving yourself and I am sure that you will achieve more heights in the future.”
Few games of Geetham:
https://lichess.org/zMh6NaoV/black
https://lichess.org/S4QpPwUC/black
22. Lishita Eddula
” Lishita Eddula is an energetic and talented 11-year-old who shines both inside and outside the classroom. She is passionate about learning new things and always gives her best in everything she does. Her interests include Taekwondo, swimming, singing, and chess, which keep her active, creative, and confident. One of her favorite hobbies is playing chess with her dad. She enjoys spending quality time practicing strategies, solving puzzles, and improving her game together. Chess has taught her patience, focus, and critical thinking skills that help her in many areas of life. Apart from chess, she loves the discipline and strength that Taekwondo brings, enjoys the excitement of swimming, and expresses herself beautifully through singing. Her positive attitude, determination, and never-give-up attitude make her stand out wherever she goes. She is always willing to try again, work harder, and learn from every experience. She dreams of becoming a doctor, she loves caring for others and wants to make a positive impact in people’s lives. With her determination, compassion, and strong work ethic, she continues to inspire everyone around her and is well on her way to achieving her dreams. She is also very loving and protective toward her 6-year-old brother, always looking out for him and making sure he feels safe and cared for. We are proud to celebrate her achievements, kindness, and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing all the amazing things she will accomplish in the future!”
Coach feedback on Lishita:
”Lishita is a very enthusiastic kid who is always eager to learn new things. She loves participating in matches and consistently experiments with creative moves on the chessboard. She excels at solving puzzles and quickly grasps new concepts. She applies the tactics taught in class with great determination. She is punctual and attentive, and she also enjoys interacting with other students in the class. I am truly impressed with her progress. Best wishes to her, keep it up, Lishita!”
Few games of Lishita:
https://lichess.org/h0PRsuKt#37
https://lichess.org/mfIRCavJ/black#30
https://lichess.org/mw3g8deW/black#48
23.Saisuhan Uthayakumar
”Saisuhan is 9 years old, studying in Grade 3, and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a calm and curious child who enjoys learning new skills. Since childhood, he has enjoyed numbers and patterns, which made math his favorite subject, and that strong logical thinking naturally led him to join chess. Chess has become one of his favorite activities, and he shows a natural interest in strategy and problem‑solving. Along with chess, he enjoys Krav Pro, swimming, and simple STEM activities at home. His chess coach, Om Mishra, has been a great support, helping him understand the game, build confidence, and enjoy every lesson. As parents, we are happy to see his steady progress.”
Coach feedback on Sai:
”Sai is a talented chess player with excellent focus, smart strategies, and a strong understanding of the game. He recently joined as a student, and it has been wonderful to see his enthusiasm and dedication towards learning chess. With his skills and positive attitude, I am confident he will continue to grow and achieve great success in the game.”
Few games of Sai:
https://lichess.org/R1sSj4VM/black
https://lichess.org/yj1lmKz2/black
24. Smayan Bojja
”Smayan Bojja is 9 years old and currently studying in 3rd grade. His chess journey started with a curiosity for the game, and over time his interest and dedication have grown tremendously. With regular practice and guidance from PCA coaches, Smayan has shown steady improvement in his gameplay and analytical thinking. He is always excited to learn new openings, tactics, and challenging moves, and chess has become one of his favourite activities.Smayan Bojja has had a wonderful learning experience with PCA. The academy has helped him develop not only his chess skills but also his concentration, patience, and confidence. He enjoys attending the sessions, learning new strategies, and participating in tournaments. Heartfelt thank you to Coach Baivab Mishra. We truly appreciate the time and effort you put into helping the team grow, learn, and succeed. Thank you for believing in them and inspiring them every step of the way!”
Coach feedback on Smayan:
”Smayan has shown excellent consistency and dedication throughout the month of May. His attendance has been regular, and he stays attentive and involved during every session. He has made steady progress in understanding chess concepts, especially in calculation, piece coordination, and board awareness. He listens carefully to instructions and makes a genuine effort to apply what he learns in his games.His positive attitude, discipline, and eagerness to improve truly set him apart. He leads by example and motivates others with his focus and commitment. With continued practice and the same mindset, Smayan has great potential to grow further in chess. Congratulations to Smayan for being selected as the Star Kid of May! 🌟♟️”
Few games of Smayan:
https://lichess.org/lL9rMEzh/black
25. Viraaj Malladi
” We are so proud to celebrate our Star Kid of the Month! He is a passionate learner who gives his best in everything he does. He loves solving chess puzzles, practicing regularly, and challenging himself to improve every day. Beyond chess, he has a curious mind and a wide range of interests.He loves science, can solve Rubik’s cubes in seconds, and is also an amazing soccer player. He enjoys reading books and has an incredible knowledge of dinosaurs that amazes everyone around him. He also loves building LEGO creations for hours with passion, showing amazing creativity, focus, and imagination. We would like to thank the Coaches for inspiring them to play more games with new strategies.”
Coach feedback on Viraaj:
”Viraaj is a smart and talented kid. His approach towards puzzle solving and playing games is remarkable. He is improving swiftly in his games and shows great focus and understanding during practice.He is very sincere and dedicated towards the game of chess. His positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to learn make him a wonderful student. Keep up the great work, Viraaj! ♟️”
Few games of Viraaj:
https://lichess.org/BVfFgU59/black
https://lichess.org/kEf70OjB
https://lichess.org/K1YHpkAp
Selection Criteria – May 2026:
- Regular in class and practice sessions.
- Displaying improvement in practices to reach top 3 positions.
- Puzzle solving and tactics findings in regular class.
- Generate quest in chess and regular in assignments.
- Overall – Passion is evident in class, practices, puzzle solving etc.
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