Velammal MHS School (India) won gold at the 2025 World Team Championship for Schoolchildren.
Velammal MHS School from India — Undisputed Champion
The 2025 World Schools Team Championship has concluded in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. The tournament took place at the prestigious Episcopal High School and brought together the strongest young chess players from around the globe.
The absolute winner was India’s Velammal MHS School, securing victories in all eight matches. For India, which continues to shine on the world chess stage, this is yet another significant achievement. Among the school’s alumni are Grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Leon Mendonca, further proving the team’s high level of preparation.
Race for Silver
The battle for second place remained intense until the very last round, with seven teams in contention for medals. In the end, the National School of Physics and Mathematics from Kazakhstan took silver, edging out the American Harker School on tiebreaks, with the latter earning bronze. Fourth place went to Astana 2 RSPM.
Individual Stars of the Tournament
In addition to team awards, medals were given to the best players on each board. Three participants finished the event with a perfect score (8 out of 8):
- Imangali Akhilbay (Kazakhstan, board two)
- Edisa Berdibaeva (Kyrgyzstan, board three)
- Pranav K. P. (India, reserve board five)
Cultural Program
After the final games, participants enjoyed an excursion to Washington, D.C., visiting the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. It was a memorable end to an eventful and emotional week.
Closing Ceremony
The championship concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere. The national anthems of the USA, FIDE, and India were played. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich congratulated the winners and thanked all the teams for their sportsmanship and friendship, emphasizing that chess is not only about competition but also about bringing people together worldwide.
Video highlights from the tournament and behind-the-scenes moments drew enthusiastic applause, and the award ceremony ended with confetti falling and the winners’ flags being raised.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Schools Team Championship will be remembered as an event that united young chess players from all corners of the globe. It was a tournament about skill, perseverance, and friendship — values that make chess truly great.