BRING YOUR VISION INTO ACTION
India’s Golden Era in Chess Continues: Velammal MHS School Dominates World Stage with a Perfect Score!
The chess world is celebrating another monumental victory for India! At the 2025 World Schools Team Championship in Alexandria, Virginia, Velammal MHS School from India emerged as the undisputed champions, clinching the gold medal with a flawless perfect score. This incredible feat—winning all eight of their matches—adds yet another prestigious title to India’s burgeoning collection and solidifies the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse of young chess talent.
The victory comes as no surprise to those who follow the chess scene. Velammal MHS School is a breeding ground for chess excellence, having produced renowned Grandmasters like R. Praggnanandhaa and Leon Mendonca. The team’s triumph was a foregone conclusion as they entered the final round with the top spot already secured, a testament to their preparation and skill.
From Close Races to Individual Brilliance
While India’s win was decisive, the race for the remaining podium spots was a nail-biter. Seven teams were still in contention for silver and bronze heading into the final round. Ultimately, Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics clinched the silver, edging out The Harker School (USA) on tiebreaks. The Harker School, in turn, secured a well-deserved third place, demonstrating the high level of competitive chess at the event.
Beyond the team accolades, the championship also celebrated incredible individual achievements. Three players finished with an astonishing perfect score of 8 out of 8, a rare and remarkable accomplishment. Among them was Pranav K. P. (IND) from Velammal MHS School, who played on reserve board five, further highlighting the depth of talent within the winning Indian team.
A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Unity
The championship concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony that emphasized the true spirit of chess: sportsmanship, friendship, and progress. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich took the stage to congratulate the champions and all participants, praising their passion and dedication. As the Indian national anthem filled the auditorium and confetti rained down on the victorious Velammal MHS team, the moment was a joyous celebration of hard work and unwavering commitment.
This event was more than just a competition; it was a platform for connections and shared memories, punctuated by fun excursions for the students to iconic Washington, D.C. landmarks. The 2025 World Schools Team Championship will be remembered not only for the champions crowned but for its powerful message of unity and the bright future it represents for global chess. For Chess Visionaries, this is a powerful reminder that with dedication and the right guidance, the next generation of chess prodigies is always within reach.