Chennai’s Velammal Vidyalaya, the cradle of chess prodigies like World Champion D Gukesh and Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, has once again cemented its legacy by clinching the gold medal at the 2025 World Schools Team Championship in Alexandria, Virginia. Held on the picturesque campus of Episcopal High School, the tournament showcased the world’s brightest young chess talents, with Velammal MHS School dominating by winning all eight matches for a perfect score of 16 points.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) hailed Velammal’s triumph as a testament to India’s rising dominance in global chess. “With India continuing to make waves across all levels and formats of chess, this victory adds yet another title to the country’s growing collection,” FIDE stated. Velammal’s flawless performance saw them secure the top spot before the final round, underscoring their unrivaled prowess.

Velammal Vidyalaya, based in Chennai’s Mogappair, has been a powerhouse in nurturing chess talent, producing luminaries such as Grandmasters SP Sethuraman, Leon Mendonca, and R Vaishali, alongside female stars like Varshini S and R Rakshitta. The school’s chess coordinator, S Velavan, credits their success to the ‘7 to 17 programme,’ initiated by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2013, which integrates chess into the curriculum. “Our students balance chess and academics seamlessly, often excelling in both,” Velavan noted.

Also Read: Arjun Erigaisi Faces Epic Showdown at Chennai Grandmasters

Standout performances came from Velammal’s Pranav KP, who achieved a perfect 8/8 score on board five, alongside Kazakhstan’s Imangali Akhilbay and Edisa Berdibaeva. The team, led by players like WFM Keerti Shree Reddy and IM Ilamparthi A, showcased strategic brilliance, with Ilamparthi winning seven games and drawing one.

While Velammal claimed gold, Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics secured silver, edging out The Harker School from the USA on tiebreaks, who took bronze. This victory marks Velammal’s sixth World School Chess Championship title, reinforcing its reputation as India’s “Chess Factory.” As Chennai continues to shape global chess champions, Velammal Vidyalaya remains at the forefront, inspiring a new generation to conquer the 64 squares.

Also Read: 19-Year-Old Chess Genius Shocks 38-Year-Old Legend in All-Indian Final!