Armenia moves forward with chess in all schools

Chess becomes compulsory subject in all secondary schools of Armenia from second grade
August 30, 2011 | 18:47

YEREVAN. - From September 1, chess will become a compulsory subject in all secondary schools of Armenia, said Armenian Minister of Education Armen Ashotyan and deputy chairman of the Armenian Chess Federation Smbat Lputyan in a joint press conference on Tuesday.

"Thus, Armenia becomes the first country in the world, where chess is included into state educational standards for secondary schools. In 2012, chess will be taught in 3rd grade, and in 2013 - in 4th. In 2013, the subject will be introduced in an elementary school in full," said the minister.

According to him, a textbook on chess, a special notebook, teachers’ textbook and a collection of exercises for practical work has already been published. The minister noted that by the end of this week all schools will receive a set of chess tables, boards and other necessary supplies. Chess classes will be set up in all schools.

AMD 900 million (about $ 2.5 million) has been allocated from the State Budget to introduce this subject.

Source: http://news.am

Big move for chess in Chennai

Artwork by Mike Magnan

Chess to be made compulsory for students in 7-17 age group
PTI | 03:08 PM,Aug 27,2011

Chennai, Aug 27 (PTI): The chess playing fraternity in Tamil Nadu today welcomed Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's announcement that the sport would be made compulsory in schools in the 7-17 age group.

Jayalalithaa made an announcement to the effect in the assembly, stating that the sport 'will enhance the efficiency and thinking capacity among students.' K Muralimohan, General Secretary Tamil Nadu State Chess Association said, "students who learn chess systematically develop abilities of concentration, planning, calculation and analysis. The game improves a person's patience, determination and withstanding power in times of trouble".

He said the Chief Minister's decision would definitely give a huge boost to the game in the state and enable Tamil Nadu excel in the sport in the world. Meanwhile, the Chennai District Chess Association also welcomed Jayalalithaa's announcement yesterday and described it as a 'wonderful step to develop the game in Tamil Nadu.' "We the Chess fraternity wholeheartedly welcome this excellent move in promoting the game," K Ganesan, Association Secretary said.

Source: http://ibnlive.in.com