Rita Atkins highlights critical thinking through strategic chess play
Bhubaneswar: Chess is rapidly evolving from a mere board game into a vital educational tool, a sentiment that resonated strongly in the Temple City this weekend. In a significant milestone for local sports education, Chessturf Academy played host to Ms. Rita Atkins, the Secretary of the FIDE Education Commission, on January 17, 2026.
Ms. Atkins arrived at the city-based academy following her engagement at the FIDE Social & Education Seminar 2026 at KIIT University. Her visit underscores the global federation's commitment to the "Year of Chess in Education," declared by FIDE for 2026.
Blending Physical and Digital Learning
During the interaction, Chessturf Academy demonstrated its unique "phygital" approach to the game. This modern model blends traditional offline coaching with advanced online tools. Swayangsu Satyakam, the Director of the academy, presented their structured tracking system. He explained how technology-driven monitoring allows parents and coaches to see real-time progress, ensuring that the training translates into tangible learning outcomes for every child.
Chess as a Life Skill
The highlight of the visit was an engaging seminar attended by approximately 30 young chess enthusiasts and their parents. Ms. Atkins moved beyond standard opening moves and checkmates to discuss the cognitive benefits of the sport. Using chess pieces as metaphors, she vividly demonstrated how the game fosters critical thinking, strategic planning, and mental discipline.
Her session captivated the audience, reinforcing the message that chess is a powerful mechanism for intellectual development in school-children.
A Historic Moment for Local Chess
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony. Director Swayangsu Satyakam, along with the faculty, honoured Ms. Atkins, while mementos were distributed to the participating students.
This event marks a first-of-its-kind visit by a high-ranking FIDE official to a private chess academy in the region. For the students of Chessturf Academy, it served as a massive motivation, connecting their daily practice on the board to the global movement of chess in education.
