“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 (June 2025) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Ananya Anand
“Ananya is a 5th grader living in the Dallas metroplex area. From an early age, we saw her deep curiosity and natural love for problem-solving come to life. She would ask insightful questions, immerse herself in puzzles, and face challenges with a calm focus and determination well beyond her years. What began as a simple interest in chess quickly became a powerful way for her to explore strategy, logic, and creative thinking. As parents, it’s been a joy to watch her approach the chessboard with quiet concentration—carefully planning her moves, thinking critically, and adapting with poise. What makes us most proud isn’t just her skill or success, but her mindset. She embraces every game, whether it ends in victory or defeat, as a chance to learn and grow. Her strong foundation in math has further sharpened her understanding of chess, and her constant eagerness to explore new ideas continues to inspire us. She’s never afraid to ask questions, take on a challenge, or try again after a setback. That fearless and curious spirit is what truly sets her apart. Watching Ananya grow—not only as a chess player but also as a thoughtful, resilient individual—has been one of our greatest joys. We’re incredibly proud of her journey, and we know she’s only just getting started.”
Coach feedback on Ananya:
“Ananya is a smart and hardworking chess student. She is very good at solving chess puzzles and always shows interest in learning new things. She asks questions regularly, which helps her understand better. I really like how she is always ready to take on challenges and give her best. I am proud of her progress and hope she keeps learning and growing in chess with the same energy and interest.”
Few games of Ananya:
https://lichess.org/yDBQbXOU#38
https://lichess.org/592UIGVI/black#23
https://lichess.org/ablPHnAP/black#1
2. Inaya Hassan
“Inaya Hassan, an 11-year-old Grade 7 student from Pakistan, has been passionately learning and playing chess under the guidance of Mr. Kunal. Her dedication, discipline, and love for the game have been evident throughout her journey, making her a consistent and focused learner. Inaya is not only a budding chess talent but also enjoys swimming, creating art, listening to music, and reading books. Her curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning extend beyond the chessboard. With a positive attitude and strong work ethic, Inaya stands out as an inspiring and well-rounded young achiever.”
Coach feedback on Inaya:
“Inaya is a passionate and hardworking chess student who has shown a strong interest in the game from the very beginning. She has eagerness to learn, whether it’s mastering openings or understanding endgames, Inaya shows genuine excitement and focus. Even when faced with challenges, she stays determined and learns from her mistakes. Her love for chess goes beyond lessons—she enjoys reading about legendary players and memorable games in her own time. Inaya’s dedication, enthusiasm, and steady progress make her a true inspiration.”
Few games of Inaya:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/141816044701
https://www.chess.com/game/live/141814843021
https://www.chess.com/game/live/137077853091
3. KRITHIKESH KALAIYARASAN
“Krithikesh, a bright and curious 6-year-old, is a 1st grader at Hohokam Elementary School in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a natural fascination for understanding how things work—especially cars—he is always eager to explore and learn. He started his chess journey six months ago and showcased remarkable talent by securing 4th place in the kindergarten-level Arizona Scholastic Chess Tournament. His passion for creativity shines through as he immerses himself in building Lego cars and crafting innovative creations around them. When he’s not busy learning or inventing, Krithikesh finds joy in watching TV, reading and listening to stories. Above all, he cherishes spending quality time with his adorable little sister Shasvi, nurturing a loving bond that shows his warm and caring nature.”
Coach feedback on KRITHIKESH:
“Krithikesh is a brilliant kid who loves playing chess and always trying to get better at it. He is a very sweet boy who listens to his coach and follows the ideas that we discuss in class. He loves competing with other kids in the class and tournaments. He is regular and doing good there. His classroom performance is really good as he puts his maximum effort in solving puzzles and discussing various ideas going forward. If his dedication will be the same. He is definitely going to achieve something in the field of chess. wishing Krithikesh all the best for his future.”
Few games of KRITHIKESH:
https://lichess.org/ixhSY4Hj/black
https://lichess.org/dD42KmRi/black
4. AROHI KOTUR
“Meet Arohi Kotur, our amazing 9-year-old from Massachusetts! She’s in 4th grade and has a passion for puzzle racers and chess puzzles. Since joining the Premier Chess Academy, she has really leveled up her game and wins almost every match—what an accomplishment! Arohi also has a creative spirit and loves crafting, drawing, playing basketball, and ice skating. We are proud to celebrate her as our Star of the Month! Keep shining, Arohi.”
Coach feedback on AROHI:
“Arohi is a passionate and talented chess player who loves to play chess in class. At such a young age, she has shown potential to perform well in practice sessions. She is a hard-working kid who takes interest in learning new concepts in chess. She learned fast and good things she never give up. She is very punctual in class and joins every class on time. She has a learning attitude while playing games. She tries to practice in her available time. It clearly shows her love and passion towards the game. I wish her very good luck for her Chess Career…!”
Few games of AROHI:
https://lichess.org/EmkcSpS3/black
5. Samar Raj
“Samar is a quick and intelligent learner who grasps concepts with ease. He consistently strives for excellence in everything he undertakes. Highly ambitious, he has a natural knack for executing tasks with precision and perfection.”
Coach feedback on Samar:
“Samar is a smart, intelligent and interactive kid. He is a quick learner and very passionate about chess. He is very regular to the sessions. He is good at playing games and has good puzzle solving skills. His progress has been very good. He is doing awesome, and I hope will do great in future.”
Few games of Samar:
https://lichess.org/iZ4eIO03#34
https://lichess.org/Ue6IDKNv#42
https://lichess.org/aC3iS8JF/black#25
6. Sidh Sakariya
“Sidh is very enthusiastic about chess. He likes the game so much. He spends most of his time playing chess.”
Coach feedback on Sidh:
“Sidh is a passionate and self-motivated chess player who loves to play chess. His ability to catch new concepts and apply them in games are 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 Sidh:
https://lichess.org/auZP6pSW/black
7. Vihaan Gupta
“Vihaan will be turning 11 this August, and we feel so blessed to watch him grow into such a thoughtful and curious young boy. Born in the USA, he’s our little pianist, filling our home with music and joy. Recently, he’s discovered a new love for chess and has been picking it up with impressive focus and enthusiasm. Vihaan is a quick and eager learner, especially when it comes to solving math problems or diving into hands-on science experiments. But what truly lights him up is reading, especially stories about history and exploring the wonders of geography. He has a deep curiosity about the world and a genuine passion for learning. Above all, Vihaan is a loving son and a caring big brother, always thoughtful, always kind. Watching him grow and explore his interests brings so much joy to our hearts.”
Coach feedback on Vihaan:
“Vihaan is an exceptionally curious and focused student with a deep passion for learning, especially in chess. He is punctual, attentive, and consistently applies class tactics with patience and strong intuition. His quick grasp of new concepts and love for puzzles set him apart. It’s a pleasure to have Vihaan as a student, I wish him great success ahead.”
Few games of Vihaan:
https://lichess.org/dM9qYS58/black#64
https://lichess.org/PlpbeQme#59
https://lichess.org/C1FAfXg0#71
8. Veda Surapaneni
“She started showing interest in chess when she was 4 years old and she learned a lot once she joined Premier Chess Academy. Coaches at every level are very friendly and good at dealing with kids. They are maintaining enthusiasm by teaching the tricks and ways to handle challenges.”
Coach feedback on Veda:
“Veda joined me at the beginner level and at first, she struggled to catch but yes, she is a quick learner and gradually she built up her understanding and pushed her rating and level gradually. She keeps practicing and improves her skills.”
Few games of Veda:
https://lichess.org/8GwXE9ds/black
9.Varshika Guttala
“Varshika Guttala is an enthusiastic 11-year-old with a strong passion for chess. She enjoys the challenge and strategy the game offers, spending much of her free time practicing and learning new tactics. Her dedication and love for the game shine through in every match she plays. In addition to chess, Varshika also enjoys playing badminton and swimming, reflecting her active and well-rounded personality. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the coaches who support and guide her. Your encouragement means a great deal to us, and we are deeply grateful for your dedication to her growth.”
Coach feedback on Varshika:
“Varshika has been a regular and punctual student, consistently showing dedication towards her chess learning. She is a keen observer and a quick learner, often applying newly learned concepts fearlessly in her games. What stands out is her confidence—she never backs down from a strong opponent and continues to grow with every game. Her recent progress has been remarkable. Wishing her all the very best for a bright future in chess and beyond.”
Few games of Varshika:
https://lichess.org/um7fEGHm/black
https://lichess.org/pJDi4c7I/black
10.ARYAN HIREMATH
“At just 11 years old, Aryan has already shown remarkable talent and passion for the game of chess. With a sharp mind and a love for strategic thinking, he has participated in several chess competitions and proudly won a few medals. His dedication, focus, and enthusiasm for the game continue to grow each day. Whether he’s studying new moves or challenging his next opponent, he plays with determination and sportsmanship. A special thanks to his premier chess academy and dedicated coach Miss Harishitha, whose constant support, expert guidance, and encouragement have played a key role in shaping Aryan’s skills and confidence. Their mentorship has not only helped him understand the deeper strategies of the game but also nurtured his love for learning and competing. We are so proud of Aryan’s achievements and can’t wait to see where his chess journey takes him next.”
Coach feedback on ARYAN:
“Aryan is so good at chess. What impresses me the most is his ability to stay calm under pressure and think several moves ahead. His strategic thinking and ability to anticipate opponent’s moves are developing well, and it’s exciting to see him 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 his progress in the upcoming chess tournaments, and I wish him all the very best for his bright future…!”
Few games of ARYAN:
https://lichess.org/DkbkYoj8/black
https://lichess.org/krjPJ8LP/black
https://lichess.org/0lIrMkTr/black
11.Tanusri Kambati
“My name is Tanusri K! I am 13 years old, and I am going to 8th grade. I live in Florida. I enjoy playing chess and I have been playing for a few months now. I always look forward to attending chess classes with Coach Hemanth and I even love to practice sessions with my group and learn a lot about the moves and skills! I like to practice chess whenever I get time ! I am looking forward to being better at chess and to participating in tournaments! I like to ride my bike, I also like doing art and I love learning science. Coach Hemanth helped me improve my chess skills, he explains the moves clearly and with patience until I understand. Whenever I miss a session, the coach always makes sure I attend the makeup class so I can catch up with the chess topics. Thank you!”
Coach feedback on Tanusri:
“Tanusri is an enthusiastic, interactive and calm kid. She is very good at solving sessions and always tries her best.I was really impressed with the kid ‘s performance & discipline. I am really happy to have a student like Tanusri wishing the kid all the best.”
Few games of Tanusri:
https://lichess.org/5P5sVBum/black
12.Atharv Murthy
“Atharv is a bright 10-year-old currently in the 5th grade, living in Portland, Oregon. Though he only began playing chess last year, he has quickly developed a deep passion for the game. One of his favorite new hobbies is solving chess puzzles, which he approaches with great enthusiasm. Beyond the chessboard, Atharv holds a black belt in Taekwondo and enjoys both Taekwondo and swimming as part of his active lifestyle. He’s also an avid fan of Pokémon and Beyblades, often channeling his creativity into making YouTube videos about them. Atharv draws inspiration from his coach, Sir Tushar, whose guidance has played a pivotal role in his growth in chess over the past year.”
Coach feedback on Atharv:
“It has been a pleasure to coach Atharv over the past year. Despite being relatively new to the game, Atharv has shown remarkable enthusiasm and a genuine love for chess. His curiosity and willingness to solve complex chess puzzles reflect not only his growing strategic thinking but also his patience and perseverance — qualities that will serve him well both on and off the board. Atharv approaches each lesson with energy and focus, and it’s evident that his discipline from Taekwondo carries over into his chess practice. His ability to balance multiple interests, from swimming and martial arts to content creation and school, while steadily improving in chess is truly commendable.What stands out most about Atharv is his eagerness to learn and his respect for the game. He is receptive to feedback and continues to build a strong foundation in tactics and positional understanding. With continued practice and tournament exposure, I have no doubt that Atharv has the potential to grow into a strong and confident chess player. I look forward to supporting his journey further and helping him reach the next level in his chess development.”
Few games of Atharv:
https://lichess.org/BVCOPTTs/black
https://lichess.org/8FiWMKBm#49
Selection Criteria –June 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.
Recent Comments