“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 (January 2025) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Tanush Porandla
“Tanush is a star kid who loves to play and practice chess every day. When he started his initial classes, he didn’t know many strategies and now he has grown up as an intermediate level kid who can give tough fights to any good player. He likes to practice chess with his friends and play PCA practice sessions every time. He has won many chess trophies in offline chess tournaments. I have seen a lot of improvement in his game because of his dedication and hard work. It’s just a start for his chess career and he needs to achieve more heights now onwards.”
Coach feedback on Tanush:
“Tanush is a lively and sensitive 9-year-old kid. He’s been learning chess for about three years and is currently in intermediate level. Tanush absolutely loves his chess lessons and is always excited for his practice sessions and weekend tournaments. He has won multiple trophies in local chess competitions. His confidence and competitive spirit have grown, thanks to the dedication and support of his coach, Mr. Rinku Jain, to whom Tanush and us are deeply grateful.In addition to chess, Tanush has a wide range of interests. He enjoys singing, playing the piano and violin, and is a fan of outdoor sports and swimming. He also loves playing video games. Tanush’s energy and enthusiasm make him a well-rounded and cheerful kid, always eager to try new things.”
Few games of Tanush:
https://lichess.org/MikddrMC/black
https://lichess.org/DCQ4ZpGY/black
2. VIVAAN PADPU
“Vivaan is a 10yr kid born at Morristown, New Jersey. He is currently studying in 4th grade. He is polite in nature and his hobbies include basketball, chess, drawing, and reading books. He got inspired by seeing other people play chess. The coach helped him strengthen his abilities by making him play games and doing a lot of different puzzles that made him more perfect. Emphasize on preparing for online and offline competitions.”
Coach feedback on VIVAAN:
“Vivaan is an intelligent and focused kid. His energy stays always high during the classes. He actively participates in all the discussions and is always ready to put his inputs and ideas during analysis and puzzle solving. He is my obedient kid, and my love and blessings are always with him.”
Few games of VIVAAN:
https://lichess.org/0LOauIQT/white
https://lichess.org/DYMq7nvM/white
3. Yubhashana Selvamani
“Yubhashana likes to play chess. After joining PCA her chess play improved a lot. Recently she won first place in a chess tournament among ten players in age 7 and below category conducted by Chattanooga Tamil Sangam.”
Coach feedback on Yubhashana:
“She is an intelligent girl who loves solving puzzles as well as her puzzle solving ability reflects on the game play. More success will come soon.”
Few games of Yubhashana:
https://lichess.org/48M7hlkS/black
4. Sathvik Kumaran Sangilikumar
“Sathvik is a bright and energetic 9-year-old with a heart full of love and a passion for both chess and sports. Sathvik is known for being incredibly supportive to his family and always ready to lend a hand whenever needed. His warmth and caring nature make him a joy to be around. Sathvik’s journey with chess began in an unexpected way: while casually watching YouTube videos, he came across a chess puzzle video that sparked his curiosity. From that moment, he was hooked! His love for solving puzzles and strategic thinking has only grown, and chess has become one of his Favorite hobbies.”
Coach feedback on Sathvik:
“Sathvik is a smart, cool and intelligent kid. He learns everything with dedication and grasps the things very quickly & easily. He is very passionate and enjoys chess. His progress has been very rapid with consistency. He is doing awesome, and I hope will do great in future.”
Few games of Sathvik:
https://lichess.org/r65cRIUD/black#32
https://lichess.org/cGfC2CAf#43
https://lichess.org/EU70boT3#23
5. Srikar Satti
“Srikar is a cheerful and friendly seven-year-old studying in 2nd grade. His happy nature makes him well-loved by friends and family alike. Srikar has a knack for chess, spending time strategizing and improving his skills with enthusiasm. He also excels in math, showing a natural talent for problem-solving and numbers. Beyond academics, he enjoys playing basketball, where his energy and teamwork shine. Always curious and eager to learn, Srikar balances his interests with a playful and joyful spirit, making him a delight to be around both in the classroom and on the playground.”
Coach feedback on Srikar:
“Srikar Satti is a young talented, hardworking and very enthusiastic kid who continuously keeps on improving himself. He too has a very excellent learning ability, which enables him to grasp new concepts and ideas very quickly. He always gets actively involved in the class activities with full focus. He too shows great enthusiasm toward chess and mostly loves learning in classes. Srikar’s parents are also very positive toward chess and very much supports him to learn and practice chess. Within a short period of time, he had shown great improvement, and I am very much happy toward his improvement. I too wish him more success in chess and in real life.”
Few games of Srikar:
https://lichess.org/7qEotvhQ#113
https://lichess.org/n6XtFqu7#7
https://lichess.org/0IixTLrf/black#22
6. Sashwat Raj
“This 8-year-old chess enthusiast began his journey at the tender age of 4, starting his first battle against his dad. He started developing interest through chess videos and online games. Today, with a USCF rating of 1070, he’s set his sights on even greater achievements. Alongside his chess prowess, he shines as a soccer player, a budding musician on the drums, and a robotics enthusiast. He embodies the spirit of determination and excellence. With a kind heart and curious mind, he aspired to be a strong and inspiring leader.”
Coach feedback on Sashwat:
“I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible progress and impressive performances of Sashwat Raj in chess. Over time, he has shown exceptional dedication, discipline, and growth, and it’s been truly rewarding to see how much he has improved. His commitment to refining his skills and constantly challenging himself has really paid off. He has a keen eye for tactics and does implement it in his games. He is a team sport too and always keeps the group motivated. What stands out most about Sashwat is his focus and determination. He has not only strengthened his game but also developed a deeper understanding of the strategies that make him a formidable player. I’m excited to see where his passion for chess will take him next, and I have no doubt that he has an incredibly bright future ahead. Way to go champ!!! Keep up the good work.”
Few games of Sashwat:
https://lichess.org/oP99RixG/black#0
https://lichess.org/IIN0UBKw#0
https://lichess.org/SM8Ki4NK#0
7. Sai Sarvesh Sundar
“Sai Sarvesh Sundar is 8 years old from Peoria, Arizona and studying 3rd grade in Cooperwood Elementary School. He is always energetic and eager to learn new things. He loves to play chess and gain more knowledge and learn new chess moves. Thank you, Mr. Suvradeepta, for all the support. Your puzzles and new chess techniques drive him to play chess with active interest. Besides chess, He is a speedcuber and swimmer. He likes to spend his spare time playing field hockey. His favorite fun time activity is to move around with roller and ice skates. He likes to travel with Family and friends in his free time.”
Coach feedback on Sai Sarvesh:
“Sai Sarvesh Sundar is a very passionate, focused, and intelligent kid. He has shown tremendous improvement in his rating over the last few months. He participates regularly in practice sessions and weekly tournaments, and he has a strong zeal for learning from his past mistakes. He approaches everything with dedication and is quick and eager to grasp new concepts. His progress has been consistent and fast. He is doing great, and I believe he will continue to do so in the future. As his coach, I am very happy to have Sarvesh as my student, and my best wishes will always follow his path.”
Few games of Sai Sarvesh:
8. Sai Paveesha
“Sai Paveesha is a friendly and caring girl. She is passionate towards challenging tasks and always tries to accomplish it.”
Coach feedback on Sai Paveesha:
“Paveesha demonstrates a strong commitment to learning chess, exhibiting both enthusiasm and remarkable problem-solving skills. Her outstanding performance in Puzzle Racer on Lichess, where she has attained notable scores, underscores her concentration and resolve. I take pride in observing her significant advancement and eagerly anticipate her continued success and the attainment of new milestones in his chess endeavors.
Few games of Sai Paveesha:
https://lichess.org/dG7swLmf/black
https://lichess.org/Hc3qjQ8D/black
https://lichess.org/EZRe0VAh/black
9. Neel Nayak
“Neel just turned 8 but can stump you with the wisdom of an 80-yr old. He is smart, friendly, kind and empathetic. He picked up chess pretty quickly when his parents introduced it to him at 6 yrs of age. When he started playing chess, he quickly earned the nickname “Neel Baitman”, because setting up fierce and sneaky ‘baits’ on the chessboard was his thing. He has since then evolved all the more and has developed his own distinct style of playing chess with the help of his Coach Aabhas . Neel shares an amazing connection with Coach Aabhas and looks forward to classes with him . He considers his Coach to be a Superhero. In addition to chess, he likes soccer, golf, and going on long bike rides with his family, learning astronomy and advanced mathematics. He loves his brother and little sister and his 3 dogs. He follows Magnus Carlsen and a host of other Chess Grandmasters. He wants to pursue Chess and looks up to the current young Indian grandmasters like Gukesh, Praggnanadha and Arjun and aims to join their rank in the future.”
Coach feedback on Neel:
“Neel is truly a wonder kid, and his passion and knowledge of chess at such a young age are nothing short of remarkable. He is an active and obedient child who consistently demonstrates dedication and enthusiasm in every session. With his charming curly hair and exceptional chess skills, Neel looks like a young wizard casting spells on the chessboard. His sincerity and maturity shine through in every game, especially in the thoughtful and strategic moves he makes during matches. What sets Neel apart is his ability to take feedback positively and work diligently to improve. He approaches every game with utmost sincerity and treats each game as a valuable learning experience. His willingness to grow and develop his skills reflects his deep love and respect for the game. It is truly a joy to witness Neel’s progress. His dedication, hard work, and consistency are sure to take him to great heights in the world of chess. The future holds immense promise for this young prodigy!”
Few games of Neel:
https://lichess.org/0xFvfV2Y/black#90
https://lichess.org/uxffFR2L/black#36
https://lichess.org/nRixcbUO/black#50
10.Miruthyunjai Nandhakumar
“Miruthyunjai loves playing chess and plays every day. He enjoys thinking through each move and getting better at the game. Whether he is playing with family or practicing by himself, he is always excited to learn. Chess has become a part of his daily routine, and he looks forward to each new challenge.”
Coach feedback on Miruthyunjai :
“Miruthyunjai is a very focused kid and always keen to learn new things. He loves to play matches and always tries to do something new on the chess board. He is good at puzzles as well and grasps topics quickly. He always tries to use tactics that are taught in the class. I am very happy with his progress. Best wishes for him. Keep it up Miruthyunjai!.”
Few games of Miruthyunjai :
https://lichess.org/xgr0LEhl#0
. https://lichess.org/zhU8nITz/black#0
https://lichess.org/vul2OQlQ#0
11.Kumara Velan
“Kumara Velan is a 3rd grader from California. He started chess last summer and we can see his ability to problem-solve and focus has improved a lot. He likes challenging himself with puzzles, new tactics and tournaments. His enthusiasm for chess makes every class an opportunity to grow and excel. Even if wins or loses, he carries each experience as a valuable lesson, always striving to improve. Thank you Coach and Premier chess Academy nurturing my kid’s passion for chess and creating a supportive environment where he can grow, learn, and challenge with every game.”
Coach feedback on Kumara:
“Kumara is an excellent chess player with a high level of interest & curiosity. Given any topic like puzzles, tactic or game analysis – he always comes up with unique combinations. He never hesitates to ask me questions, which will be a huge asset in the calculation part in the upcoming levels. I wish him all the very best for his upcoming achievements.”
Few games of Kumara:
https://lichess.org/Mi9F3an3/white
https://lichess.org/8zD8zNmO/black
https://lichess.org/uqXr2Scw/white
12.Aditya
“Aditya is a bright, passionate, and analytical 10-year-old with a natural talent for learning and problem-solving. He enjoys exploring complex challenges, such as analyzing chess games to strategize the best moves. A quick learner, Aditya excels at anything he sets his mind to and thrives in both academic and personal pursuits. In school, Aditya is a hardworking and engaged student who actively contributes to class discussions and group projects. Outside of school, he is an avid sports enthusiast, playing basketball, soccer, and football. During his downtime, he also loves playing video games like Brawl Stars and Roblox, balancing his active lifestyle with creative recreation. Aditya’s passion and determination truly stand out, especially during difficult times, showcasing his strength and unwavering spirit.”
Coach feedback on Aditya:
“Aditya indeed is a very talented kid. He always impresses me with his quick learning attitude and decision-making skills. Aditya is a kid with high moral values too. He is always respectful to everyone in class. He is humble, calm, and patient. All of these characteristics are reflected in his chess games too. He is on the right track to become a great chess player. My good wishes are always with Aditya, and I am very happy to be his Chess coach.”
Few games of Aditya:
https://lichess.org/6mIlax6B/black
13.Niam Patel
“Niam is 7 years old, he is a quick learner, very smart, bright and intelligent 1st grade student. He is a sports person and very passionate about chess, volleyball and cricket. He learns different games very quickly. He started playing chess just to learn a new game and from there his interest started going sky rocket. We are very proud of him where he currently stands and how he keeps improving his game day by day. Niam is very open minded and does not hesitate to try different approaches to improve his game. His dream is to play with world Champions Gukesh one day.”
Coach feedback on Niam:
“Niam is doing exceptionally well in chess classes, always attentive and eager to participate in discussions. He’s quick at solving puzzles and applies the lessons effectively in his games. His consistent effort is paying off as his skills grow stronger each day. Wishing him all the best for his future endeavors in chess and beyond.”
Few games of Niam:
https://lichess.org/H86r6l6c/white#59
https://lichess.org/MTkY7UFj/black#50
https://lichess.org/A33KctTV/white
14.Devansh Sharma
“Devansh is a middle schooler with a profound interest in chess and a passion for playing the violin. He enjoys diving into books, playing tennis, and watching F1 races. With a solid foundation in core subjects, Devansh excels in Math and Science. He is dedicated to continuous growth and thrives on learning. Outside of school, Devansh loves playing video games and spending time with friends.”
Coach feedback on Devansh:
“Devansh is a very passionate kid in my batch. He has made great efforts to play events, understand concepts and learn more. He is very active in sessions and gets to ask doubts, learn and apply the same.”
Few games of Devansh:
https://lichess.org/4at3kuXU/black#60
https://lichess.org/qbC4sYIz/black#104
https://lichess.org/Hy31FQs9#105
15.AVTEJ SINGH NANDA
“Avtej Singh Nanda, a 7-year-old from Houston, Texas, is an enthusiastic and curious learner with a deep passion for music. He plays multiple instruments and is actively involved in classical music. Avtej has earned awards for his performances in both music and speech. He also has a strong love for sports, especially tennis, and competes in leagues with the same dedication he applies to chess. On a personal level, Avtej is fun-loving, respectful, and responsible. He is committed to achieving success in life and deeply values his coach, Vaheeb, enjoying every opportunity to learn chess from him.”
Coach feedback on AVTEJ:
“Avtej is a passionate and determined chess learner whose enthusiasm for the game shines through in every session. He has shown tremendous growth in his tactical understanding and consistently demonstrates sharp thinking during practice. Avtej enjoys exploring advanced puzzles on Lichess and approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset. As his coach, I am proud of his progress and excited to see him reach new heights in his chess journey.”
Few games of AVTEJ:
https://lichess.org/v29cq8zf/black#98
https://lichess.org/pTfwVvVk/black
16.Varshith Chintam
“Varshith is an 8-year-old, studying 3rd grade and we are from California. Right from the first day of his chess lessons he showed an immense interest and always showed a great interest to learn more, and all credit Hemant sir, for his patience in teaching and explaining the techniques in an easy and understandable manner, a big thanks to him. Apart from chess he is more interested in playing Soccer and occasionally Golf along with his older brother.”
Coach feedback on Varshith:
“Varshith is an enthusiastic, interactive and active kid. He is very good in puzzle solving sessions and always tries his best. I was really impressed with the kid ‘s performance. I am really happy to have a student like Varshith wishing the kid all the best.”
Few games of Varshith:
https://lichess.org/LxmiFPut/black
17.Arnav Medavarapu
“Arnav is an energetic and inquisitive young boy with a natural curiosity for learning. He enjoys problem-solving activities. He has a strong enthusiasm for chess and often dedicates hours to playing. In addition to chess, Arnav likes playing badminton. His hobbies are diverse and reflect his wide-ranging interests, such as playing the piano, travelling, collecting currencies and flags from various countries.”
Coach feedback on Arnav:
“Arnav had great potential throughout our first training session! He possesses an innate sense of strategy and a very competitive passion. Arnav’s desire for continual self-improvement, combined with his persistent attention to practice and overall sporty demeanour, has hastened his rapid rise. He is constantly looking for opportunities to compete against formidable opponents in both scholastic and open contests. I wish Arnav the best of luck with his future endeavors.”
Few games of Arnav:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/130358408183
https://www.chess.com/game/live/129858549443
https://www.chess.com/game/live/129857366015
18.Arham Nandan Mehta
“Arham is smart, fun loving and kind. He loves Math the most in the world. He likes to make new friends. He started playing chess 2 years ago and now loves to play for hours. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and board games.”
Coach feedback on Arham:
“Arham has demonstrated impressive skills in chess, showing a deep understanding of various topics and strategies. He consistently works on improving his game by solving puzzles and analyzing his mistakes. His ability to learn from them and make adjustments is commendable, and it’s clear that he’s steadily progressing toward becoming an even stronger player. Keep up the great work, Arham!”
Few games of Arham:
https://lichess.org/niZapyIQ/black
https://lichess.org/m8dDBB4D/white
https://lichess.org/Kd28FWQt/black
19.AnthonyGorges
“My name is Anthony, and I am 8 years old. I live with my loving family in California. I always like to learn new things and I enjoy learning about science and math. During my early childhood, I was able to read and do crosswords on the iPad. By the age of 4, I mastered addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. I also knew all the capitals of the world and their flags! I love the universe, and I always like to watch documentaries about the universe because I find the new discoveries very intriguing. I also like to educate others. When I was in preschool and kindergarten, I did some presentations and reading in front of my classmates. After some reviews and evaluations, my school principal decided that I should skip 1st grade. I’m a currently in 3rd grade and I’m only 8 years old. Because I like to be challenged, in 2024, my mother signed me up with Premier Chess Academy. I love chess and I ‘m grateful to have a great teacher, Mr. Anshul. Within a month of lessons, I was able to master the 3 basic chess tactics: Forks, Pins and Skewers. I like to practice chess on Lichess.org. Below is an example of a game that I won within 14 moves. I was able to checkmate in 14 moves. “https://lichess.org/SuqxZitTMj26“. also watch YouTube to learn some tricks and get better at chess. Chess Is not a game; it is a challenge that opens your mind to new ways of thinking and problem solving. It allows to think and plan ahead, a lot like life. My advice to you when you play chess is to learn about your opponent’s plan and tactics, so you have a better chance of winning. Every game is a new learning opportunity. When you go on Lichess.org, choose to play against the computer and select a level that is one step higher than you. Playing tougher and stronger opponents will improve your game.”
Coach feedback on Anthony:
“Anthony is a wonderful student, he loves challenges, and his classmates always felt short of competing with him whether it’s playing or solving puzzles and tricks. Anthony loves to experiment with his style of play, and he is always eager to learn new tricks and tactics which is why he is able to keep his play diverse. I am looking forward to making him a champion soon.”
Few games of Anthony:
https://lichess.org/RYJVR8JI/black
20.Anirudh Jayaraj
“Anirudh is a brilliant 4th grader with a sharp mind and a kind heart. He’s always up for a laugh and enjoys being around people. His mix of intelligence, kindness, and fun energy makes him a great friend to everyone. His intelligence shows in everything he does, whether it’s solving problems or learning new things. He’s well-behaved and respectful to everyone. He has a genuine love for learning, especially when it comes to chess. After joining the Premier Chess Academy, Anirudh has shown amazing improvement, both in his skills and his competitiveness. He approaches each game with a strategic mindset, always looking for ways to challenge himself and learn new techniques. Special thanks to his coach, Ms. Anisha, for providing the best learning experiences and for her professional guidance, which has played a key role in his progress.”
Coach feedback on Anirudh:
“Anirudh is a fast learner who demonstrates great attentiveness and precision in solving combinations. He learns from his mistakes and ensures he does not repeat them, showing remarkable growth through consistent effort. His ability to stay calm and think several moves ahead sets him apart. If he continues with this approach, I am confident he will achieve significant improvement. Best wishes to you, Anirudh—keep up the excellent work!”
Few games of Anirudh:
https://lichess.org/ClAmUtEP/black
https://lichess.org/HaTnRHq0/black
21.Aarav Pratap Singh
“Aarav is an enthusiastic and quick learner with a passion for chess. He started playing in 6th grade with his Aunt and has since developed a dedication to the game. Aarav enjoys exploring different aspects of chess, from puzzles to traditional formats, always challenging himself to improve. In addition to chess, he is active in sports like soccer and badminton. Aarav’s positive attitude and determination to overcome challenges with a smile make him a driven and well-rounded individual.”
Coach feedback on Aarav:
“Aarav is enthusiastic young kid. He’s always interested in learning new topics and is also very good at solving puzzles. He has started practicing regularly now and has shown great results. He’s interactive in class too and takes part in all discussions. Best wishes for his future chess journey.”
Few games of Aarav:
Khushboo1923 vs Aarav_9816: Zukertort Opening: Black Mustang Defense • lichess.org
Aarav_9816 vs adtsui9: Queen’s Pawn Game: Accelerated London System • lichess.org
Selection Criteria –January 2025:
- 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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