Velammal MHS School starts strong at FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026
The FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 (Asian Continental Stage) began in Almaty, Kazakhstan. They brought together some of the strongest school teams from across the continent. Three teams are representing India: Velammal MHS School, Duolingo Dreamers, and Kalinga Institute of Social Science. After two rounds, Velammal MHS School has made a flying start, winning both matches to sit among the early leaders with a perfect score. The other two Indian teams faced tough competition and are still looking for their first match points. Read the article for the report. Photos: Kaz Chess Federation
Action begins in Almaty
The FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 (Asian Continental Stage) started today in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The tournament has brought together some of the strongest school teams from across the continent. This event marks the beginning of a new global format, where teams compete in continental stages for a place in the Grand Final later this year.
Opening ceremony
Round 1
Three teams are representing India at the tournament. They are Velammal MHS School, Duolingo Dreamers, and Kalinga Institute of Social Science. In the first round, Velammal MHS School was paired up against Pushkin School. R V Pavithra and Aarav A were in good form as they scored full points on their respective boards. Pranav Mithun drew his game while Athvik M earned a full point as Pushkin School had no fourth player.
India’s other two teams faced tougher opposition in Round 1. Duolingo Dreamers were paired against Rahula College (Sri Lanka). The Dreamers put up a good fight, but Rahula College secured a 4‑0 victory. Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS) took on RPMS Almaty (Kazakhstan). The host team recorded a 4‑0 win to take the match.
Velammal MHS School vs TKM-RUS Pushkin School (3.5-0.5)
Round 2
In Round 2, Velammal MHS School continued their excellent run from Round 1, staying perfect with a second consecutive match victory to remain among the early leaders of the championship. The other two Indian teams, Duolingo Dreamers and Kalinga Institute of Social Science, faced tougher challenges in Round 2 and were unable to open their scoring yet. Both squads are still looking for their first match point, sitting with 0‑2 match records after the second round.
Sri Rahula College vs Velammal MHS School (0.5-3.5)
Photo Gallery: Here
Replay Available Games of Round 1 and 2
Standings after 2 rounds
Team | Games | + | = | - | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | ||
6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Pairings for round 3
No. | Pts. | MP | : | MP | Pts. | Team | SNo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | 4 | : | 4 | 7½ | RUS-KURCHATOV SCHOOL | 1 |
2 | 6½ | 4 | : | 4 | 6½ | NZL-ACG SUNDERLAND | 5 |
3 | 7 | 4 | : | 4 | 6½ | KAZ-SEED UNIKER SCHOOL | 3 |
4 | 3½ | 2 | : | 4 | 5½ | SRI-MALIYADEVA COLLEGE | 13 |
5 | 3½ | 2 | : | 2 | 5 | BAN-SPSC MALIBAGH | 8 |
6 | 4½ | 2 | : | 2 | 5 | MGL-BOLOVSROL SECONDARY SCHOOL | 12 |
7 | 4½ | 2 | : | 2 | 4½ | SRI-RAHULA COLLEGE | 10 |
8 | 5 | 2 | : | 2 | 4 | MAS-SJK(C) PIN HWA 1 | 19 |
9 | 4 | 2 | : | 1 | 2½ | KGZ-SCHOOL NO. 70 | 15 |
10 | 2 | 1 | : | 1 | 2½ | AUS-CARLTON GARDENS PM | 16 |
11 | 1 | 0 | : | 1 | 2½ | NEP-MARVELLOUS E.B.S. | 22 |
12 | 1 | 0 | : | 0 | 2½ | UZB-M AL-KHWARIZMI IT SCHOOL | 26 |
13 | 0 | 0 | : | 0 | 0 | IND-KALINGA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE | 24 |
Schedule
Important links
