Chess has the power to inspire and encourage children to grow. One of the Chess Institute of Canada (CIC)’s many students has proven this true yet again, with a trajectory that has seen her move from beginner skills to winning tournaments in just over a year and a half.
“It’s been great to see Hari’s growth in chess, and especially the life skills that go along with chess education: curiosity, self-confidence, and determination,” says Nick Grachev, CIC’s Manager, Outreach and Partnerships. Grachev is speaking of Hari G., a young woman who joined his lunchtime chess club at the Waterfront School in May 2023.
“I started playing chess when I was seven, in 2021, online,” Hari says. Moving from online learning to a chess club at the Waterfront School made all the difference in maintaining her interest in the game and improving her skills. “Being with other students and teachers helped me,” she says. “I got to learn things like en passant, openings, and double attacks.”
“I love the people here,” says Hari’s mother Jahnavi. “Chess Institute instructors are very welcoming and keen to teach. Chess can be a hard game, but when you are surrounded by people who care about the game and also the students, it can help you learn to love the game too.”
Hari lived up to her initial promise with fast growth in the game. “Hari moved on to her first tournaments that same spring,” Grachev says. “Tournaments are a great place to put into practice the life skills we teach through chess instruction: fair play, the ability to rise to challenges and overcome obstacles.
She returned as a Waterfront School student in 2024, showing “a great attitude and continued willingness to learn,” Grachev says. He was happy to see Hari return to one of CIC’s week-long summer camps in the summer of 2024: a tremendous opportunity to not only have a great camp experience but grow as a person and a player.
Another capstone on Hari’s chess career with CIC to date came at the organization’s PA day camp on September 27, when she achieved a perfect score across nine matches and won first place in the tournament.
“Playing chess and going to chess club makes me more confident in my life,” Hari says. “Practicing, and going to tournaments, has helped me develop confidence in areas outside chess.”
“Hari’s story exemplifies the impact our school programming can have on a child.” Grachev says. “From a beginner at a lunch club to winning competitive tournaments in a year and a half is a testament to her focus, dedication, and love for the game.”
As a young woman, Hari also wants to encourage more girls to try chess, and not be intimidated if they find a club or tournament that leans more toward boys. “It doesn’t matter who you are playing with, it’s about how you are playing,” she says. “It’s about understanding the game and your own moves.”
