The UK government is set to announce a £500,000 funding package for chess, in a move that is expected to boost the sport’s profile and participation levels.
The funding will be used to support England’s men’s and women’s international chess teams, as well as to promote the game in schools and public spaces. It will also be used to install 100 chess tables in parks and other public areas.
The announcement is being made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is a keen chess player himself. He said that the funding was a “transformational investment” in the sport and that it would help to “nurture the next generation of chess champions”.
The funding is being welcomed by chess organizations and enthusiasts alike. The English Chess Federation said that it was “a huge boost for chess in England”, and that it would “help to make the game more accessible to everyone”.
IM Malcolm Pein, who told Chess.com about his carefully designed plan that involved lobbying government officials, calls the funding unprecedented and says it’s “only the beginning” for chess in England.
The announcement is also being seen as a sign of the government’s commitment to promoting chess. In recent years, the UK has become a major center for chess, with London hosting the 2013 World Chess Championship and the 2022 Candidates Tournament.
This momentous announcement, championed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, signifies a transformative investment in the sport, echoing his personal passion for the game and there’s no doubt that the spotlight on chess in the UK is set to shine brighter than ever before.
As mentioned in “The Guardian”
As chess boards find their way into public spaces and schools, and as the nation’s international teams receive a boost, chess is becoming more accessible and appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds. This surge of attention is not just about financial support; it’s a declaration that chess is a strategic, intellectual pursuit that deserves recognition.
Amidst this wave of enthusiasm for chess, one name stands out: Chess Gaja. Led by GrandMaster and FIDE Trainer Priyadharshan Kannappan, this premier online chess academy encapsulates the spirit of this new era. Just as the government is investing in chess’s future, Chess Gaja is dedicated to guiding students of all levels along their chess journeys.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned player aiming for grandmaster status, Chess Gaja has the expertise to propel you forward. The academy’s record speaks volumes – from nurturing national champions to shaping national experts and masters, their approach has yielded impressive results.
So, as the nation gears up to embrace chess in ways never seen before, it’s the perfect time to consider Chess Gaja for your online chess coaching needs in the UK. The convergence of these two initiatives promises to create a thriving chess community that extends from public spaces to online platforms, igniting a new era of chess excellence in the UK.
