“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 (February 2025) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Vivaan Dash
“Vivaan is 9-year-old boy, studying in 4th grade, living in Irving, TX. He loves doing Math, playing basketball and cricket. He enjoys playing chess and he loves to play chess tournaments on PCA. I would like to thank PCA Coach (Mr. Sahil) for supporting and guiding Vivaan to continue his learning and enhancing his interest on chess.”
Coach feedback on Vivaan:
“Vivaan a very passionate, focused and an intelligent kid. He is also fun loving and very respectful. He has shown good signs of improvement in his gameplay in the last few months. He participates regularly in the practice sessions and weekly tournaments and has strong zeal to learn from his past mistakes. 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 Vivaan as my student and my best wishes will always follow his path”
Few games of Vivaan:
https://lichess.org/rivBu2uY/black
https://lichess.org/TkJV8IGn/white#35
https://lichess.org/HyljsDB1/black#29
2. Vidwan Bathula
“Vidwan, an 11-year-old 5th grader from Orlando, Florida, is a bright and fun-loving kid with a passion for exploring and learning new things. His interests span music (he plays the flute), solving Rubik’s cubes, mathematics, and table tennis. His love for chess was sparked by playing with his sister. Since joining PCA a year ago, his skills have significantly improved, and his enthusiasm for the game has grown. His coach, Ruturaj Bhokare, is friendly, encouraging, and effortlessly teaches new techniques and moves. Vidwan eagerly looks forward to his PCA sessions, and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors!”
Coach feedback on Vidwan:
“Vidwan is a dedicated and enthusiastic chess player. He plays with great focus and sincerity, always eager to learn new tactics. His passion for chess extends beyond just playing he enjoys exploring different openings and solving complex positions. Whenever given a task to improve his rating or tackle challenging puzzles, he is always ready to take it on with determination. He attends sessions with utmost seriousness and maintains an almost 100% attendance record. His commitment and enthusiasm make him a remarkable student to coach!”
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Few games of Vidwan:
https://lichess.org/cJrsIvtL/black#0
https://lichess.org/0ywf1P7A
https://lichess.org/gf5lHSGT/black
3. VIAN GADIPARTHI
“Vian Gadiparthi is a bright, energetic, and determined 9-year-old with a passion for learning and having fun. Whether he’s solving a tough chess puzzle, racing through the water, or kicking a soccer ball across the field, Vian gives his best in everything he does. He is highly competitive and quick-thinking, always eager to answer his coach’s questions and take on new challenges. Beyond chess, Vian loves swimming, playing soccer and basketball, and spending time with his friends. His enthusiasm, curiosity, and love for friendly competition make him a joy to be around.”
Coach feedback on VIAN:
“Vian 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. Vian’s parents are also very positive toward chess and very much supports him to learn and practice chess. He has 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 VIAN:
https://lichess.org/PldVBKFN/black
https://lichess.org/VVLpORC4#75
4. Tvarita Bhatia
“Tvarita (aka Tia) is a very focused and sincere girl. She is 14 years old and has a kind heart with a helping attitude. She has been playing chess for around 3-4 years and has been learning with confidence. Apart from Chess she likes to play Tennis. She has always been the top student in her class, bright in Mathematics and Science. Her goal is to be a pediatrician to help society. Chess is playing an important role in her life to develop her brain and think strategically. She likes solving puzzles and plays the game till the last moment with positive thoughts. I hope she achieves what she wants and helps to make the society better.”
Coach feedback on Tvarita:
“Tia demonstrated exceptional promise in our very first training session. Her natural strategic insight and competitive spirit set her apart, fueling a commitment to continuous self-improvement. With a determined focus and a keen eye for challenging herself in every match, Tia’s dedication to practice and her enthusiastic approach to the game are truly commendable. I’m confident that her passion and perseverance will lead to many more successes in the future.”
Few games of Tvarita:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132166277421
https://www.chess.com/game/live/131651427131
https://www.chess.com/game/live/131650232833
5. Suhas Kota
“Suhas Kota is studying 6th grade in Pearson Middle School, Frisco Texas.”
Coach feedback on Suhas:
“Suhas is a very disciplined student in the class, he learns the concept very quickly and applies those in his games as well. He is very attentive and enjoys playing chess, you can always find him smiling while playing chess and this is the most amazing thing about him.”
Few games of Suhas:
https://lichess.org/EAnXInDG
https://lichess.org/QmiJqCy3
https://lichess.org/lwMCwnZL/black
6. AHANA ADARSH
“Ahana Adarsh, a 7-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, began learning chess from Mr. Om Mishra and thoroughly enjoys her online classes. She quickly grasped the intricacies of the game and continues to refine her skills under her teacher’s guidance. Mr. Om Mishra challenges his students, keeping them engaged and motivated to reach their full potential. During games, he closely monitors their moves and offers guidance whenever necessary. Ahana has gained more confidence under Mr. Om Mishra’s guidance and Is now playing more games irrespective of the outcome. Apart from chess you can find Ahana, practicing Bharatanatyam, swimming, solving puzzles and using up all the paper at home to perfect her art.”
Coach feedback on AHANA:
“Ahana was new to me and a small little kid. I was having challenges to train her and shape her in the correct way to make her understand game sense and game sentiments. I worked on her puzzles and games, and she also obediently practiced the puzzles to prove her the best. Great Ahana! . Keep going. .”
Few games of AHANA:
https://lichess.org/npbvSbQW/black
https://lichess.org/g4JjpPgk/black#28
7. Aahan
“Aahan is a cute 8-year-old boy. He loves to play chess, soccer and video games. He is really good at Math and likes to read too. Chess is his most favorite leisure activity. He loves to play chess. He is well versed with the technicalities of chess.”
Coach feedback on Aahan:
“Aahan is a bright and enthusiastic learner who excels in chess, puzzle-solving, and grasping new concepts. His determination and progress are impressive. I am impressed by his remarkable progress. Best wishes to him – keep up the outstanding work, Aahan!”
Few games of Aahan:
https://lichess.org/YkZ6F0nW/black
https://lichess.org/qKkOxxl2/black
8. Aakriti Singh
“Aakriti Singh, a Grade Six student, has a broad range of interests and accomplishments. She has recently embarked on her chess journey at Premier Chess Academy, where her strategic acumen and commitment have quickly become evident. Her love for reading complements her chess interests, as she often integrates her passion for books with her developing chess skills. She appreciates the support and motivation from her chess coaches, especially Ms. Harshita, who has played a significant role in her progress.
In addition to her chess pursuits, Aakriti’s analytical skills are highlighted by her achievements as a state-level Science and Math Olympian, reflecting her passion for learning and problem-solving. She is also an enthusiastic swimmer and a gifted painter with several awards for her artwork. Her fondness for beaches provides her with relaxation and inspiration, adding a personal dimension to her profile. Looking ahead, she aspires to become an epidemiologist, aiming to make a positive impact in the field and help those in need.”
Coach feedback on Aakriti:
“Aakriti is so good at chess. What impresses me the most is her ability to stay calm under pressure and think several moves ahead. Her strategic thinking and ability to anticipate opponent’s moves are developing well, and it’s exciting to see her grow stronger with each game. Keep up the great work, stay curious, and continue to challenge yourself. With your passion and dedication, I have no doubt that you’ll achieve great things in chess. I really want to see her progress in the upcoming chess tournaments, and I wish her all the very best for her bright future…!”
Few games of Aakriti:
https://lichess.org/gPObGzd7/black
9. Shaurya Surendra Khapare
“Shaurya is a curious boy with a passion for learning and discovery. He enjoys playing chess, which challenges his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. He is also musically inclined, playing the piano with enthusiasm. Building with Lego is another of his favorite activities. Additionally, he has a deep fascination with space and rockets.”
Coach feedback on Shaurya:
“Shaurya is a smart, disciplined and an intelligent kid. He learns everything with dedication and grasps the things very quickly & easily. He has a strong passion for chess. His progress has been very rapid with consistency. He is doing awesome, and I hope will do great in future.”
Few games of Shaurya:
https://lichess.org/CMAI0q6O#39
https://lichess.org/S1FdLiGo/black#44
https://lichess.org/Jf8CtiAI/black#61
10. Sakshi Sakthivel
” Sakshi is a 10-year-old 4th grader. She is a very lovable, caring, charming girl who likes to keep the environment very pleasant around her with friends and family. She loves babies and kids and takes care of them showering lots of love. She loves to play Chess and Swimming is her favorite sport. Her passion is dance. She is learning both Bharatanatyam and Bollywood style dancing. She has performed in multiple stage performances in both styles and she want to learn and practice much more in dancing and achieve greater heights. Chess is her go to indoor sport and loves taking up Chess training classes. She likes Mihir’s classes very much and she learns a lot.”
Coach feedback on Sakshi:
” Sakshi is a great kid. She loves to learn new things and try them in her games which is the best part. She is very sincere and listens to each and everything very carefully. She also clears all her doubts and never misses any of her classes. She has improved a lot in the last few months and is doing a great job. My best wishes with her moving forward.”
Few games of Sakshi:
https://lichess.org/C1cj3VHa#17
https://lichess.org/HaBoGplk/black
https://lichess.org/LjT1F1Fp
11.Akshath
“Akshath is a 9-year-old 3rd grader from San Diego, California. He enjoys soccer, chess, video games, and playing with friends. He is also learning Taekwondo. He likes to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, Magic Tree House, and other great titles. His favorite subject is Math. Whether he is in front of the chess board, on the soccer field, or playing games at home, Akshath is a blast to be around.”
Coach feedback on Akshath:
“Akshath is a brilliant kid who loves playing chess and always trying to get better at it. He listens to his coach and follows the ideas that we discuss in the class. He is regular in class and doing good in practice tournaments. His classroom performance is really good as he puts his maximum efforts during the sessions. All the best CHAMP!”
Few games of Akshath:
https://lichess.org/3v1CUK8x/black
https://lichess.org/yP45bVNV/black
12.Chaarvik Madhu Vikram
“Chaarvik is 9 years old, an obedient and focused child. Passionate about chess, he practices every day and eagerly takes on new challenges, aiming to become a Grandmaster. He is always excited about his chess sessions. Thanks to the coach Jeet Singh who keeps nurturing and encouraging him. Besides Chess, he is also dedicated to Taekwondo, currently holding an orange belt with a goal of reaching the 9th-degree black belt. A skilled swimmer, he has completed level 10 and is now working toward his Bronze Star. During Canadian winters, he enjoys ice skating, and in his free time, he loves being silly and having fun with his friends.”
Coach feedback on Chaarvik:
“Chaarvik is a quick learner who learns the concepts well & tries to implement in his games. He learns from his mistakes & always ready for any challenge coming his way. He used to participate in practice session with great effort & always has a positive mindset while playing games. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career. Keep it up Chaarvik !.”
Few games of Chaarvik:
https://lichess.org/ut5vlwYs/white
https://lichess.org/SNzIFd7z/black
https://lichess.org/TIZerf2b/white
13.Sejal Nayak
“Sejal Nayak is an 8-year-old from Dallas Texas in 2nd grade. She started playing chess when she was 5-year-old, and it’s become her passion now. She has nurtured a keen interest in the game, fueled by his enrollment in PCA and guided by his teacher, Coach Mr. Chirag. She enjoys it a lot when she is learning new techniques and moves in the chess world. Apart from that as a GT student (gifted and talented) in her school she likes to solve puzzles and math. Her hobbies are reading nonfiction books in her free time, swimming, crafting, drawing and playing with her little brother. She is a very fun-loving girl in her family and friends. In the future she wants to be a scientist.”
Coach feedback on Sejal:
“It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching Sejal for over a year now. I’ve been consistently impressed by her calm demeanor, especially under pressure. Tough positions seem to ignite her focus and bring out her best. This resilience, coupled with her positive attitude towards setbacks – knowing she’ll come back stronger – is a real asset.With mixed emotions, I’m thrilled to see her advancing to level 3 after this performance! While I’m sad that our coaching sessions will be ending, this is the natural progression of things. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time together.Sejal, I wish you all the very best for your future in chess and beyond! Keep that cool head and competitive spirit. I’m excited to see what you accomplish! .”
Few games of Sejal:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133375773473?username=sejal-nayak&move=24
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132867537231?username=sejal-nayak
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132865819999?username=sejal-nayak
14. Aarav Sharan
“Aarav Sharan is a humble and sensitive 11-year-old kid in 5th standard. He’s been learning and playing chess for about two years and is currently in intermediate level. Aarav absolutely loves his chess lessons and is always excited for his practice sessions and weekend tournaments, especially USCF play. He has won trophies in local chess competitions which happened in Mt Lebanon library, Pittsburgh PA. His confidence and competitive spirit have grown, thanks to the dedication and support of his coach, Mr. Ayush, to whom Aarav and I are thankful. In addition to chess, Aarav has a wide range of interests like playing Tennis and is a fan of outdoor sports played with his friends in the neighbourhood. He also loves playing video games especially Nintendo, Zelda of the king.”
Coach feedback on Aarav:
“Aarav is a dedicated learner and exhibits immense passion when playing chess. He diligently absorbs all the topics covered in class, striving to understand them thoroughly, and then applies them diligently in his practice sessions and games. With his flourishing understanding of the game, Aarav is emerging as a notable player to watch for in the future. My best wishes are steadfastly with Aarav. I firmly believe that with proper training and encouragement, Aarav will go on to achieve significant accomplishments in the future.”
Few games of Aarav:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133379973435?username=aaravsharan2013
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133377547921?username=aaravsharan2013
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133476570573?username=aaravsharan2013
15. Raudhra
“Raudhra is a Cheerful 10-year-old Kid, studying in 4th grade. He started playing chess for 1.5 years, the same time he joined Premier Chess Academy. Since then, we have seen great progress and recently he got promoted to Intermediate level. Within a short time Chess has become his favorite game. Recently Raudhra started playing in personal USCS tournaments and we are happy for his winning games in the same. Apart from Chess Raudhra loves Taekwondo, Basketball & Cricket. We would like to convey our heartful thanks to Mr. Abhishek Patil who is very supportive and always challenges Raudhra with complex problems. Also thanking his Previous Coach Mr. Viswanath.”
Coach feedback on Raudhra:
“Raudhra is very curious about learning new things. He is focused, attentive and has a great interest in chess. He plays games with patience and has good intuition in chess. He completes assignments regularly. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. His growing skills in chess will surely help him to be a good chess player. I wish him a very bright future ahead.”
Few games of Raudhra:
https://lichess.org/BoCBftVF/black
https://lichess.org/TdoYR8kf/black
https://lichess.org/TOkgwWbz/white
16.Tanish Mekala
“Tanisha is a active and hardworking kid. He loves his chess classes and is always excited for his practice sessions and weekend tournaments Tanish’s energy and enthusiasm make him a well-rounded and cheerful kid, always eager to try new things. He is passionate towards challenging tasks and always tries to accomplish it. He follows Magnus Carlsen, and he wants to look up to the current young Indian grandmasters like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and Arjun and aims to join their rank in the future He is known for being incredibly supportive to his family and always ready to lend a hand whenever needed. He loves to play chess and gain more knowledge and learn new chess moves Thank you, Mr. Girish Reddy for all the support.”
Coach feedback on Tanish:
“Tanish’s passion and focus have driven his remarkable growth in ratings over the past few months. He consistently participates in regular practice tournaments and games, demonstrating his dedication to improvement. His ability to swiftly absorb new concepts and reflect on his mistakes has been impressive. Tanish’s progress has been consistent, and I’m optimistic about his future prospects. I have high hopes for his continued success.”
Few games of Tanish:
https://lichess.org/p5PfnTw1/black
https://lichess.org/VcwpkR1q/black
17. Arnav Kalluri
“Arnav is a 10-year-old boy who is good at his academics, and also very innocent and caring persons. He is very good at chess. He has so much interest while attending his classes, and he plays games and know many good techniques which helps to win his games. The coach encourages his abilities which helps him to do best in games.”
Coach feedback on Arnav:
“Arnav is a very talented & obedient. He loves solving puzzles as well as his puzzle solving ability reflects on his game. I wish him all the very best for his bright Future.”
Few games of Arnav:
https://lichess.org/MbmBzWk5/black
18. Sri Dharvika
“Sri Dharvika is a 6-year-old kid who is currently studying in 1st grade in Virginia. She is very silent in nature and her hobbies include playing chess/solving puzzles, drawing, and Dancing. She got inspired by seeing her sister and her father playing chess. We can feel that she improved her attention and strategic thinking about opponent moves proactively after joining her classes in PCA. Thank you to the coach and PCA team.”
Coach feedback on Dharvika:
“Dharvika is a young talented, disciplined, hardworking and enthusiastic kid who pursues to keep on improving herself. She too has a great focus and learning ability, enabling her to perceive new concepts and ideas very quickly. She always actively gets involved in the class activities with full focus and also does her given assignment very well. She too shows great enthusiasm toward chess and learning in class. Personally, I feel that her greatest ability is her focus and enthusiasm toward learning new things while pursuing to understand the subject matter as clearly as possible by clearing her doubts and continuing improving herself. Dharvika parents are also very positive toward chess and keeps on supporting her to learn and practice chess. I am very much happy with her improvement. I too wish her a very bright future toward her upcoming chess journey and in real life.”
Few games of Dharvika:
https://lichess.org/c0LH7oqk#43
https://lichess.org/rJY8fIET/black#62
19.Shrika Anupa Ramesh
“Shrika is a talented 7th grader who loves chess. Her uncle introduced her to the game when she was four, and later her parents found an excellent chess teacher, Mr. Soumyajit, who helped her improve her skills. Under his mentorship, she has won many local and online competitions and is recognized as a top female chess player in local chess events. Her family is very proud of her. Shrika is kind, brilliant, and has an amazing taste for art. Outside of chess, she enjoys walks, runs, trying new foods, and playing Roblox.”
Coach feedback on Shrika:
“Shrika is a young talented, hardworking, and very enthusiastic kid who pursues to continuously keep on improving herself. She has a very excellent learning ability, which enables her to grasp new concepts and ideas very quickly. She always gets actively involved in the class activities with full focus. She shows great enthusiasm toward chess and mostly loves learning in classes. Shrika’s parents are also very supportive toward her chess journey. I am very much happy about her improvement. I wish her more success in chess and in real life.”
Few games of Shrika:
https://lichess.org/RxzjJJ5k#23
https://lichess.org/wZE3QUB9/black
20.Akshaj Reddy Sodum
“Akshaj is a very smart kid and has always been fascinated by Legos. Since he was a child, he would spend hours creating intricate and imaginative structures out of them. Beyond his creative side, Akshaj also has a playful and humorous side. He loves making jokes and laughing at them for hours on end. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games with his dad, having Friday movie nights with his family, playing with his younger sister, and helping his mom in the kitchen. We are incredibly proud of Akshaj’s accomplishments and growth.”
Coach feedback on Akshaj:
“You have shown remarkable improvement over the past few months, and your dedication to practice is truly commendable. Your gameplay has become sharper, and your puzzle-solving ability has significantly improved, reflecting your hard work and commitment. It is evident that you have great talent and potential to reach even greater heights. However, to excel further, you must continue pushing yourself with even more rigorous practice and focused effort. Hard work and consistency will be key to unlocking your full potential. Keep challenging yourself, stay determined, and strive for excellence. With the right mindset and perseverance, success will surely follow. Keep up the great work!”
Few games of Akshaj:
https://lichess.org/M5VFvPqw/black
https://lichess.org/s2Oy6tzK/black
https://lichess.org/oMplogBh/black
21. Badrinath Akula
“Badri is in his 7th grade, Chess is not his primary passion, but he loves playing chess. He is a passionate Volleyball player and his school team captain. Though he entered the chess world late, I’m happy that he became mentally strong competing with Lesser age kids (with higher rating). Recently I was amazed to see him practicing playing blind folded with his brother. I hope the PCA Team, and coaches motivate him and help him to improve Chess skills.”
Coach feedback on Badrinath:
“Badri is a very sharp kid, and it takes him no time to absorb a new topic. He can quickly understand the nuances of a chess tactic or a puzzle and within a few seconds of looking at a position, he can very well form a picture of the roles of every piece on the board and how to use them. Badri is a strong player as well, and he regularly participates in the tournaments out of his love for playing chess. Also, he is very good at puzzles and is most of the times the first one to answer any given puzzle. I wish him the best for his future in chess and hope he becomes an established player someday..”
Few games of :
https://lichess.org/nswXz87p/black
22.Kanishk Sirigiri
“Kanishk is a fun-loving, kind, and energetic 9-year-old boy who brings joy wherever he goes. His warm heart and caring nature make him beloved by everyone around him. Recently, Kanishk started learning chess and has been enjoying it immensely. He is always thinking ahead, carefully planning his next move, and is determined to defeat his father in every game! His sharp mind and growing passion for strategy make him an exciting young thinker. Since joining chess, his confidence has grown significantly, and the positive changes in him are evident. Chess has not only sharpened his thinking but has also made him more focused and determined, helping him approach challenges with a new sense of enthusiasm and resilience. Kanishk’s journey of learning and growth continues to inspire, making him truly special!”
Coach feedback on Kanishk:
“Kanishk is always excited to learn new things. He likes to explore a lot & check what are all the other possible good moves. He tries to learn from his mistakes and makes sure not to repeat them. Being a coach I’m very happy to have Kanishk as my student and my best wishes will always follow his path.”
Few games of Kanishk:
https://lichess.org/CoRyoEWU/white#69
https://lichess.org/OipLUqJv/white#43
23. Ishan Lahoti
“Ishan Lahoti is a 1st-grade student with a passion for chess. He enjoys the game as it helps enhance his critical thinking and concentration skills. He is grateful to his Chess Mentor for providing valuable guidance and support in improving his game. Mathematics is his favourite subject, and he also loves building creative structures with Legos. Recently, he was nominated for the Principal’s Club at school after achieving the required reading level for this academic year. He is eagerly looking forward to receiving the award and certificate.”
Coach feedback on Ishan:
“Ishan is a smart, energetic, and focused kid. He stays enthusiastic throughout the classes and actively participates in analysis and puzzle-solving. He is very consistent, always eager to learn, he enjoys playing matches and exploring new ideas on the chessboard. Wishing him all the best—keep up the great work!”
Few games of Ishan:
https://lichess.org/bWh1Ulqd#1
https://lichess.org/DYTiXdfM/black
24. Bhawik Chandel
“ Bhawik is a 13-year-old, very smart and inquisitive star kid. He developed an interest in chess about 2 years ago, learning to play chess at Premier Chess Academy since. He is currently at intermediate 2 level. Besides chess, Bhawik’s hobbies include solving Rubik’s cubes, playing video games, learning about World History and Geography. At school, History and Math are his favourite subjects. He studies accelerated curriculum in Maths. At Premier Chess Academy, Bhawik has improved his Chess skill by a lot. We highly appreciate his coaches for their efforts and his persistent learning that helped improve his ratings from 600 to 1470 thus far. Bhawik aspires to be a great chess player in the world someday. We hope that PCA continues to fuel his interest in chess and his dream of becoming an established chess player, in future.”
Coach feedback on Bhawik:
“Bhawik has shown remarkable progress in his chess journey and continues to sharpen his skills at the Intermediate-2 level. His understanding of tactical patterns and strategic planning has significantly improved, allowing him to play with confidence and precision. His middlegame play has become more structured, as he effectively applies key principles such as piece activity, control of the center, and attacking opportunities. Currently, we have been working on his endgame, refining techniques that help him convert advantages into victories. With continued practice and tournament experience, Bhawik is well on his way to becoming a formidable chess player.Great job! Keep up the hard work and continue pushing your limits!”
Few games of Bhawik:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133379973445?move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133375773461?move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132773971129?move=0
25.SIDDHARTH ULAGANATHAN
“Siddharth is a fourth-grade student at Oropeza Elementary School in Long Beach, CA. He has a strong affinity for mathematics, enjoys proving mathematical facts, and working on problem-solving. Over time, his interest in chess has grown, and he began learning the game with guidance from his mother, who serves as his first chess instructor and source of inspiration. Siddharth enjoys playing with his sister and friends and has demonstrated significant progress in grasping chess concepts. He is a passionate child who loves to help others. He has keen interest in cricket, soccer and baseball. He finds great fascination in attending violin classes. He is an avid fan of Harry Potter and has a keen interest in reading books.”
Coach feedback on SIDDHARTH:
“Siddharth is an intelligent kid who always plays with great focus and concentration. He loves playing with his classmates and even regularly joins practice sessions and tournaments. He is very competitive and enjoys games like a chess lover. His classroom performance is worth appreciating… Going forward If his dedication remains the same, he will definitely achieve great success in his future endeavors. Wishing Siddharth ALL THE BEST for his future.”
Few games of SIDDHARTH:
https://lichess.org/aA9U54n0/black
26. Shrish Mantena
“Shrish is in 5th grade and has developed a strong passion for chess after starting last year. His skills improved significantly after joining PCA chess classes, where he learned new strategies. He also watches a lot of chess videos on chess.com to continue improving. Outside of chess, he loves problem solving, enjoys playing badminton and video games with his friends. Shrish’s ultimate goal is to consistently beat his dad in chess, and he has already achieved that by winning twice so far. PCA classes have definitely helped him grow as a chess player!”
Coach feedback on Shrish:
“Shrish is an enthusiastic & energetic kid. He’s very curious that you can give him any topic like solving puzzles, learning new tactics, playing games, fun arena – his interest never reduces! He never hesitates to ask questions…which is very vital in learning chess! He’s been very consistent in his progress. He always comes up with unique answers and questions regarding further combinations, which will be a great asset for calculating in further levels. I wish him a long successful journey with lots & lots of achievements in his chess career!”
Few games of Shrish:
https://lichess.org/V0oQuFLQ/white
https://lichess.org/NmKULYmI/black
https://lichess.org/oCiR1UNG/white
https://lichess.org/5HHiIzp1/black
27. Shaurya Singh
“Shaurya has been a precocious child who excelled in school since his early years. He enjoys playing chess with his peers and coaches at Premier Chess Academy and is now better able to handle the highs and lows that come with being a chess player. We are thankful to Premier Chess Academy for providing a stable and engaging platform for kids to learn while keeping the joy of playing chess. We hope he will continue to excel at chess; but more importantly that he continues to play with joy and having fun.”
Coach feedback on Shaurya:
“Shaurya is a passionate boy and a good learner who tries to grasp all the concepts, which are discussed in class and implements all the topics in his game. He is a very attentive and cool kid who learns and plays chess very patiently. He is having good logical thinking and is very regular in class as well as practice sessions. Good Luck to him…!!.”
Few games of Shaurya:
https://lichess.org/YqoGAEj1#35
https://lichess.org/feWKog4H/black#45
https://lichess.org/iM9dowv5#29
28.Sesha schemuturi
“Sesha is an impressive 8th grader from Massachusetts. Balancing chess, robotics, and Boy Scouts shows his diverse interests and dedication to both intellectual and personal growth. It’s great that he has a mentor like Rakshan Sir to guide him in chess. He is very passionate about community service and is actively involved with community Kitchen and Garden projects.”
Coach feedback on Sesha:
“Sesha is a great kid with a great passion for chess. His efforts are valuable. He keeps trying to be better with his practice and consistency. He’s regular to sessions and actively participates in sessions.”
Few games of Sesha:
https://lichess.org/KHxZgOEW/black#34
29.Samrith
“Samrith is 8 years old, 3rd grader, currently residing in California. He started playing chess at the age of 6 and has been showing great interest from the beginning. He is very passionate about chess and solving puzzles. He likes to learn various new openings and mid game strategies to improve his game. He recently won a trophy in a USCF rated tournament conducted by ICEA in his category and wants to achieve more. He watches games of chess grandmasters on YouTube, and he wants to be one in future. Apart from chess, he likes to play piano, read books and draw Harry Potter characters. He is good at basketball and soccer. We are grateful to have a wonderful coach Mr. Adarsh Kumar, who takes brilliant effort in teaching hi and encouraging kids which would definitely help them achieve great heights. We are thankful to PCA for having awesome trainers.”
Coach feedback on Samrith:
“Samrith is very active in every theory class. He’s very punctual. He always tries to play every practice tournament in a week. Practicing every day, attending every practice tournament & also taking care of his school academic work – no words other than excellent. His passion for chess is really high. I wish him all the very best for his upcoming achievements in his long journey in chess.”
Few games of Samrith:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/122579729335?username=samrithashwin&move=0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/122508316603?tab=analysis
https://www.chess.com/game/live/122509496061?username=samrithashwin&move=0
30.Saisha Jena
“Saisha is a 12-year-old girl who is funny and competitive, she also has a lot of hobbies! Like drawing, reading, playing video games, playing chess, and most importantly she also does karate. She is on the last belt until she tests for her black belt in March 2025, she has been currently doing camp which helps her achieve her black belt, she has been doing karate for 8 years now! Saisha is in 6th grade and loves science and math. Saisha loves chess a lot, she has been playing chess since last year in March 2024. Along with chess she is slowly improving with more skills in chess with the help with Coach Sathwik.”
Coach feedback on Saisha:
“Saisha’s remarkable chess journey, from fundamentals to expert play, showcases her strong and resilient openings. My faith in her abilities has only grown over time. I send Saisha my warmest regards for a prosperous and accomplished future. Wishing her a future filled with success and triumphs in chess.”
Few games of Saisha:
https://lichess.org/aCLn9dlX/black
https://lichess.org/Ae1BQuQo/black#0
https://lichess.org/TRopiOgc#0
31.Sarah Kumhar
“Sarah Kumar, 4th grader is a friendly person. She is naturally a helpful and caring person. I want to learn new things and enjoy creative projects. I have been learning Chess for the past 4 years. Chess has been the only game that she has been playing without any complaints. She also teaches chess to her 5-year-old sister. Her analytical skills have developed after starting to play chess and also helps to focus. We would like to take this opportunity to THANK Raunak Sir for all his efforts.”
Coach feedback on Sarah:
“Sarah is an active and very disciplined girl who is very friendly. She is very punctual and curious that she never hesitates to ask questions which is very good! She’s been very consistent in her progress. I wish her to achieve every height of success in her journey. God bless her!”
Few games of Sarah:
32. Paarthu Aravapalli
“Paarthu is a 11year old kid who is in middle school right now and he started doing chess in premier chess academy last year and he is now an advanced beginner and trying his best to go to intermediate-1 and proved himself by getting into the hall of fame now.”
Coach feedback on Paarthu:
“Paarth is a young talent. Paarthu’s hard work shines through his played games. He is the most hard-working kid one can ever come across. While attending the regular sessions, he shows his energy in the form of giving rapid answers to the questions. He loves solving puzzles and he is good at it too! He has great potential inside of him and I have faith that he will unlock his true potential with due time.”
Few games of Paarthu:
https://lichess.org/i3Kb49UN/black
https://lichess.org/yY8Vzdt4/black
https://lichess.org/2NwErMc4/white
https://lichess.org/qBIL9o9A/white – 27
33. Goutham Krishna Narayan Manchiganti
“Goutham is an energetic and thoughtful 10-year-old who has developed a deep passion for chess. After two years of dedicated practice, he has reached an advanced level and eagerly looks forward to his lessons, practice sessions, and weekend tournaments. His hard work has earned him multiple trophies in local competitions, and he even secured first place in the Liberty Hill District for third grade, boosting his confidence and competitive spirit. Outside of chess, Goutham enjoys outdoor activities like biking and swimming. As an avid video game player, he’s always ready to explore new experiences with his boundless energy and curiosity. A cheerful and well-rounded child, Goutham embraces every opportunity to learn and grow.”
Coach feedback on Goutham:
“Student’s Name] has been demonstrating good progress in chess. He is always engaged in class discussions and shares his thoughts confidently. His problem-solving skills and strategic thinking have noticeably improved. He takes on challenges with a positive attitude and learns from every game. His hard work and passion for chess are truly commendable. I look forward to seeing his continued growth!”
Few games of Goutham:
https://lichess.org/AZS7bLTg/black
https://lichess.org/q7FNQ1TK/black
34.Mourya Somavarapu
“Mourya Somavarapu is a cheerful and curious 3rd grader who loves getting lost in fiction books and exploring stories from Indian mythology. He enjoys spending time outdoors, whether he’s playing basketball, swimming, or hitting the tennis court. Mourya also has a creative side—he likes relaxing by playing the piano or drawing with a pencil. At home, he loves playing with his younger brother and enjoys board games with his mom and dad. He’s always excited to eat out and try new foods. With his mix of energy, curiosity, and creativity, Mourya brings a lot of fun to everything he does.”
Coach feedback on Mourya:
“Mourya is an energetic kid, he finds any new knowledge interesting and loves to apply it in his games, he is really good at solving puzzles and playing. He is ready to roll for the next level and working really well towards his goal, I wish to see him into the next level by next month.”
Few games of Mourya:
https://lichess.org/jL6442ZG/black
https://lichess.org/qVjyVy2d/black
35. Maximilian Gliedt
“Max loves chess. He teaches his sister a bit about chess at home and also tries to teach his mom. Besides chess, he enjoys playing with dinosaurs and Pokémon with his little sister. They have small dinosaur toys and Pokémon figurines (all of which have names), and they build little houses for them from magnet tiles and Jenga blocks. They play all sorts of games, like “classroom,” “daycare,” and hide and seek (where they hide the dinosaurs in various places in the house, and the other person needs to find them). They also play board games and have the dinosaurs and Pokémon engage in battles. Max is also learning basketball and plays with his classmates during their playdates at a park near school. Besides that, Max likes to read chapter books. His favorite genres are humor, mystery, and a tiny bit of thriller.”
Coach feedback on Max:
“Max has shown outstanding dedication, strategic thinking, and a strong passion for chess. His ability to analyze positions, plans, and stay focused during games has been truly impressive. Beyond his skills, his positive attitude and eagerness to learn make him a very good player, Best Wishes for him. Keep it up Max!”
Few games of Max:
https://lichess.org/NcvBHQYg/black#0
https://lichess.org/Pz5XaArD#0
https://lichess.org/nM73mskA/black#0
36. MAHASWIN VIKKURTHI
“Mahaswin, an 11-year-old 5th grader from Folsom, California, discovered his passion for chess at the age of 7. For the past four years, he has been consistently learning strategies and tactics, dedicating himself to playing chess every single day. His determination and perseverance set him apart—he never gives up! With a clear goal of becoming a Grandmaster, Mahaswin is on an inspiring journey, and we can’t wait to see him achieve great success in the chess world!”
Coach feedback on MAHASWIN:
“MAHASWIN VIKKURTHI 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 Mahaswin as my student, and my best wishes will always follow his path.”
Few games of MAHASWIN:
https://lichess.org/eUAHcrg9/black
https://lichess.org/ozUGSF8g/black
37.LOHITH KANURI
“Lohith loves chess and robotics, always working on improving his skills. He dreams of becoming a robotics scientist and has a strong interest in technology. He also enjoys playing soccer, which helps him stay active and develop teamwork skills.”
Coach feedback on LOHITH:
“Lohith 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 memorizes it. 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 LOHITH:
https://lichess.org/d2sXYE38/black
38.Hardit Keerthi
“Hardit is 11 years old, bright and curious young boy, full of energy and a thirst for knowledge. He is a kind and compassionate friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. He has a great sense of humor and loves to make others laugh. With his infectious enthusiasm and positive spirit, Hardit is a joy to be around. His hobbies are playing chess and solving all types of Rubik cubes. Hardit started playing Chess in 2022 by playing with her mom. Looking to further develop his skills in a proper manner, we enrolled him in the Premier Chess Academy after a recommendation from a friend. Over the past two years, Hardit’s game has improved significantly, and he’s now enjoying more frequent wins. Hardit enjoys learning with Coach Karan. Karan patiently guides students through the intricacies of the game, explaining strategies and tactics in a way that’s easy to understand. We are witnessing that Hardit feels comfortable asking questions and learning with Karan. With the clear instruction and supportive approach, the coach empowers students to develop their chess skills and reach their full potential.”
Coach feedback on Hardit:
“Hardit has shown exceptional growth and dedication in chess. His enthusiasm for competition and eagerness to participate in tournaments are truly commendable. Since joining Premier Chess Academy, he has absorbed new strategies and techniques with remarkable focus, which has significantly improved his gameplay. Hardit’s positive attitude, combined with his competitive spirit, sets him apart. I’m confident that with continued effort, he will reach new heights in his chess journey. Keep up the great work, Hardit.”
Few games of Hardit:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133470551541?username=harditkeerthi
https://www.chess.com/game/live/133465775151?username=harditkeerthi
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132861571913?username=harditkeerthi
39.Tanyasri Lingutla
“Hi, my name is Tanyasri (Sri) and I’m in 4th grade, I live in Texas, USA. I love to play chess and classical singing. I am learning chess with my coach Keshav sir, I am very thankful him for the opportunity to give out my best, thank you for choosing me for the Student of the Month.”
Coach feedback on Tanyasri:
“I am really happy with Sri as she is doing very well in chess class. she calculates tactical positional very well. also asks a lot of chess questions in class which I like most. Congrats for your star of the month dear sir and I wish you a very all the best for all success. Keep it up.”
Few games of Tanyasri:
40. Ram Parthasarathi
“Ram is 7 years old, and he is in 1st grade. He started learning chess in PCA 1 year back and he is now at an advanced beginner level, and he loves his coach Mr.Hemanath he has a lot of patience, and he helps in learning new techniques in each class. He improves his competitive spirit through this. Nowadays he likes to play chess with his friends and loves to learn and watch chess videos on TV. Apart from chess he loves to play outdoor sports.”
Coach feedback on Ram:
“Ram is an enthusiastic, interactive and calm kid. He is very good at solving sessions and always tries his best. I was really impressed with the kid ‘s performance & discipline. Really happy to have a student Like Ram wishing the kid all the best.”
Few games of Ram:
https://lichess.org/oBfbIxBS/black
https://lichess.org/QOQiVER9/black
41.Arjun Digumarti
“Arjun started playing chess when he joined PCA just after covid, his love for chess was not very instant, took time, but now he is obsessed about it. Coach Rinku has definitely stirred him towards betterment of the game. He loves playing chess tournaments in his school with his buddies, they have a small chess group in his class :). When not playing chess, he is a natural table-tennis player and loves swimming. When not doing his homework, he can be found playing with his sister and dog or video games :). Thanks to PCA coaches for constant encouragement to kids.”
Coach feedback on Arjun:
“Arjun is a star kid who loves to play chess. He likes to learn new chess strategies and apply them to his friends. His target is to become better every day and become a strong chess player. He is keen to do hard work, and his confidence gives strength to the coach as well. He does practice on lichess website several times and plays with high rated players. He doesn’t feel shy in asking doubts several times as he wants his chess topic and strategy to be cleared and understood. I wish him best of luck for his dream.”
Few games of Arjun:
https://lichess.org/s2dOUYxX/black
https://lichess.org/ss1qvKef/black
42.Kaveesh Mohan Boppana
“Kaveesh stands out as an exceptionally disciplined and dedicated individual among the young talents I have encountered. In a short period, he has made a remarkable impact, demonstrating strong critical thinking skills and delivering impressive results. His patience and proactive approach to addressing both minor and major challenges have significantly contributed to his growth. Kaveesh’s evolving understanding of the game is evident, and he continues to make consistent strides toward improvement. Kaveesh is on a commendable path, and I wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.”
Coach feedback on Kaveesh:
“Kaveesh is in 4th grade, and lives in Columbus, USA. His hobbies are chess, basketball, and the Rubix cube. He loves to watch cricket matches. He is very keen to play chess and watch chess related videos. Thanks to Aniket for the motivation, teaching the tactics and providing all the support.”
Few games of Kaveesh:
https://lichess.org/BrNScxUL/black
https://lichess.org/BHgOupZ3/black
43.Sanvika Adineni
“Sanvika is 10 years old and studying 5th grade. While excelling in her academics, she is also very passionate about solving mathematics problems, always curious and learning new things, interested in swimming and playing soccer, fast in solving Rubik’s cube. With that inquisitive nature, we wanted to streamline and put her into chess and Sanvika enjoys learning and playing chess and constantly thrives to learn new techniques. A big thanks to Coach Aniket for his teachings, constant guidance, and support.”
Coach feedback on Sanvika:
“Sanviaka stands out as an exceptionally disciplined and dedicated individual among the young talents I have encountered. In a short period, she has made a remarkable impact, demonstrated strong critical thinking skills and delivering impressive results. Her patience and proactive approach to addressing both minor and major challenges have significantly contributed to his growth. Sanvia’s evolving understanding of the game is evident, and She continues to make consistent strides toward improvement. Sanvia is on a commendable path, and I wish her continued success in all his future endeavors.”
Few games of Sanvika:
https://lichess.org/rX9LxJpU/black
https://lichess.org/vRbGGaFv/black
44.Anika Shenoy
“Anika is a smart and determined 7-year-old who is always keen on exploring new activities. While she loves trying out different things. Chess, piano and books have been her constant companions. Over the past year Anika has been attending chess classes with Coach Aabhas, and she eagerly looks forward to each session. In her own words she loves solving chess puzzles and learning new moves.”
Coach feedback on Anika:
“Anika is a highly energetic and passionate young girl whose love for chess is truly inspiring. Her enthusiasm for the game shines through in every session, and her dedication to learning is commendable. She is an obedient and attentive student who listens carefully in class and completes all her homework with sincerity.When it comes to gameplay, Anika’s moves are as graceful and impressive as her warm and cheerful smile. She approaches every challenge with a positive attitude, embracing feedback as an opportunity for growth. Her determination to improve with each game showcases her unwavering commitment to mastering the art of chess.It is truly heartening to see Anika’s progress. With her passion, hard work, and dedication, she is bound to achieve great heights in the world of chess.”
Few games of Anika:
https://lichess.org/LpSf3OOt#45
https://lichess.org/mrK3kjY0/black#38
https://lichess.org/VQsyUyOv/black#68
45.Aishani Prajna Saravanan
“Aishani is a 6th grader from Arkansas. She loves playing chess and is always eager to learn new moves. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, swimming, and playing chess. She is also an avid piano player and her favourite song to play is Nocturne Op. 9 No.2 by Frederic Chopin. She is an incredibly creative person, always amazing us with her drawings and her ingenious ideas. Her favorite books are the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series. In the future, she hopes to be an architect and use her creative passions to build interesting structures. Aishani initially started playing chess with her dad and developed a love for the game. She has learned a lot after joining PCA, thanks to the wonderful instruction of her coach Danish.”
Coach feedback on Aishani:
“Aishani is a smart student. She doesn’t talk much, but her answers are concise and accurate. She has recently been paying more attention to this game and it shows. She used to just join the classes, but now she practices outside of class, and there has been a big change in her skill. She is a big fan of the inter-batch tournaments and her goal is to be number one. I really like that she’s always punctual and that there are very few instances where she has missed class. If she keeps practicing consistently, she can become a very good player.”
Few games of Aishani:
https://lichess.org/IB4vKEqW/black
46. Vihaas R Chemarla
“Vihaas is 10 years old, and he is from Albany, New York. He is currently studying in 5th grade. Vihaas has a knack for chess, spending time strategizing and improving his skills with enthusiasm. Vihaas shares an amazing connection with Coach Abhinandan and looks forward to classes with him. Vihaas eagerly waits for his chess class, and he never wants to miss his class. Vihaas likes to discuss his games with his dad & mom. When Vihaas is free, he watches chess tournaments on YouTube and learns new strategies. We encourage him to practice more.”
Coach feedback on Vihaas:
“Vihaas 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 Vihaas:
47. Elina Leo
“Elina is a 14yr girl from India. She is currently studying in 9th grade in Washington state. She is very quiet in nature, and she loves to watch movies and likes to play badminton. She started learning Chess for almost 6 months and her passion towards chess has increased. The coach helped her strengthen her skills by making her play multiple games and providing tips and tricks. Now she has started liking this sport.”
Coach feedback on Elina:
“Elina is an adaptive learner. She has grown passionate about the game and can understand the ideas within with much ease. She approaches the game with excitement and puts in consistent effort to always do better the next time. I wish her very good luck in her Chess Career…!!”
Few games of Elina:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132896344681?username=elina-l
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132809344653?username=elina-l
https://www.chess.com/game/live/132806982419?username=elina-l
Selection Criteria –February 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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