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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 (August 2025) at Premier Chess Academy, Middle East!

1. Dishant Karikalan

Dishant Karikalan, 14 years old, is currently studying in Grade 9 at Gems Our Own Boys’ High School, Dubai. He is very passionate about chess and initially began learning the game on his own. Noticing his deep interest, we searched for the best chess academy online and found Premier Chess Academy, where he enrolled in the Beginner–Advance level program. His coach, Mr. Jeet Singh, has been guiding him exceptionally well. In a short span of time, Dishant has shown remarkable improvement, surprising us with his performance and growing knowledge of chess. We are truly glad to see his progress and dedication.”

Coach feedback on Dishant:

Dishant is a passionate and talented chess player who loves to play chess in class. At such a young age, he has shown potential to perform well in practice sessions. He is a hard-working kid who takes interest in learning new concepts in chess. He learned fast and good things he never gave up. He is very punctual in class and joins every class on time. He used to participate in practice sessions with great effort & always has a learning attitude while playing games. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career and keep it up…Keep it up Dishant !!

Few games of Dishant:

https://lichess.org/UQKr2bmh/white

https://lichess.org/4XXb3lGr/black

https://lichess.org/HfxFwwze/white

2. Nibhish Abhijit Naik

Nibhish is a cheerful 10-year-old, currently studying in Year 6. Though originally from Goa, he resides with his family in Dubai. He has a keen interest in Lego blocks, army tanks, ships, Minecraft, and, above all, chess. Nibhish has been passionate about chess since the age of 4 and loves observing online games to explore different tactics and strategies. Over the years, his skills have developed remarkably, especially under the dedicated guidance of his PCA coach. We are truly grateful, Kunal Sir, for your patience, encouragement, and invaluable support in shaping Nibhish’s journey and nurturing his love for chess.”

Coach feedback on Nibhish:

Nibhish is a highly enthusiastic and hardworking chess learner. He comes to every session with great focus, determination, and a positive attitude. His genuine love for the game is evident in the way he absorbs new concepts and experiments with different opening ideas. He enjoys solving puzzles and approaching difficult positions with energy and confidence. Nibhish’s curiosity, consistency, and eagerness to grow make him a truly remarkable student. Coaching such a dedicated and passionate young player is a real joy, and with his effort and mindset, he is sure to achieve great success in chess.

Few games of Nibhish:

https://lichess.org/hxTz39A3

https://lichess.org/3VLQS8CM/black

https://lichess.org/TCfDN4ZN

3. ELON

” We thank ‘Premier Chess Academy’ and especially the coach Mr. Saurabh who has been molding Elon to achieve his dream of GM of Chess. He has been a true teacher guiding Elon in his path of chess dream. We are blessed to have Mr. Saurabh is a dedicated coach to our Elon. We appreciate his efforts and are grateful for his continued contributions.”

Coach feedback on ELON:

Elon is a very hard-working student. When he joined the class, he only knew how all the pieces moved. He was very curious to discuss the puzzles, to know the openings etc. And when Elon was in the beginner batch, he came first in the non-US tournament. He is very versatile and multi-talented. He is a very good dancer too. He has the potential to do extremely well in the future.

Few games of ELON:

https://lichess.org/BSUwqdUi/black

https://lichess.org/IujAayDY/black

https://lichess.org/6jKHeY2Z

4. Om Govind Managoli

” Say hello to Om Govind Managoli, our super-talented, 8-year-old FIDE-rated chess champ in the making! Born in the UK, Om’s curiosity led him to start learning chess by watching YouTube videos—and now he is turning into a real star on the board. With the amazing support of his coach, Sarthak Dutta, Om has been making smart moves and having fun every step of the way. Always curious, always determined, Om is now gearing up for the British Chess Championship—and we cannot wait to cheer him on! Om says: “I started learning chess on YouTube, and now I want to be a champion!

Coach feedback on Om:

” Om has earned recognition as one of our Star Kids for August 2025 thanks to his steady growth and conscientious approach to chess. His journey this month has been marked by a quiet but impactful evolution—he’s embracing challenges, experimenting with ideas, and demonstrating a deepening understanding for the game’s nuances. What truly stands out is Om’s persistent curiosity and calm resilience. Whether he is navigating a complex position or exploring fresh lines, he brings thoughtful composure and a willingness to learn. His thoughtful decisions and steady attitude highlight a maturity beyond his years and signal a strong foundation for continued improvement. We are delighted to celebrate Om’s progress. His responsible mindset and thoughtful engagement lay the groundwork for many more strides ahead. May his chess path continue to unfold with confidence, creativity, and joy.

Few games of Om:

https://lichess.org/601TWvs6/black

https://lichess.org/ldGlAEXe

https://lichess.org/LymF1gsG/black

Selection Criteria –August 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.