Gujarat's Ratusinh Na Muvada: A Chess Hub with State-Level Champions

Balasinor (Gujarat), Sep 4 – In the remote village of Ratusinh Na Muvada in Gujarat's Mahisagar district, where state transport buses don’t even reach, a silent revolution in chess is capturing attention. This small village, comprising around 100 homes, has emerged as an unexpected hub for state-level chess champions, producing six children with the prestigious International Chess Federation (FIDE) rankings.

The catalyst behind this transformation is Sandip Upadhyay, a dedicated teacher at the village’s government primary school, located about 100 km from Gandhinagar, the state capital. Since 2022, he has mentored nearly 200 children, most hailing from underprivileged backgrounds.

Upadhyay, at 45, teaches chess to a majority of his 138 students, ranging from kindergarten to Class 8. He noted that 70 pupils are already adeptly maneuvering the essential pieces of the game like the "king, queen, rook, and knight."

His journey began in 2021 after being inspired by a book from a motivational speaker. Upadhyay, a chess enthusiast since his youth, resolved to change the trajectory of his students' lives using the game of chess.

"This village is so remote that state transport buses cannot access it," said Upadhyay, who has been with the school for 25 years. Recognizing the financial constraints of families of poor farmers and laborers, he used his own modest salary to purchase chessboards, books, and clocks.

He frequently contributed towards students' travel and registration fees, ensuring they never missed tournaments due to financial hardship. Many times, he borrowed or raised small funds through colleagues and villagers to take students to competitions.

"I showed them videos of international chess players like D Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen to teach them memorable moves. During recess, after school, or even Sundays, you will find my students engrossed in chess. I also train them during Diwali and summer vacations," shared Upadhyay.

The results of Upadhyay’s dedication are evident. Fourteen of his students were selected under the District Level Sports School (DLSS) scheme, securing admission in Vadodara and Botad schools, where they receive training and education till Class 12 at no cost.

"Six of our students have achieved FIDE rankings so far. They have triumphed in taluka and district level tournaments and consistently ranked among the top three or five in state tournaments," Upadhyay proudly remarked.

Over four years, primary school students participated in nearly 25 state-level tournaments, including Khel Mahakumbh, ranking among the top three in about 20 of those events.

Remarkably, seven of the eight students selected for state-level competitions in June 2024 were from this school.

In March, girls from this school made headlines during the International Women’s Day Tournament in Ahmedabad, bagging medals across Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories.

The same month, Narhariprasad Charitable Trust organized a tournament in the village, where the school's students clinched victories in every age group.

Corporate support arrived in March when a cement company donated 30 clocks and as many chess sets to the school.

"We are yet to achieve national recognition. However, I aim for my students to accomplish that. My ambition is to nurture 50 Grandmasters and 10 World Champions from rural Gujarat," added Upadhyay with unwavering determination.

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