How two mothers kickstarted a memorable chess camp
Chess camps are one of the best ways for young players to learn closely from strong coaches and improve their understanding of the game. Two chess moms had one simple wish to give their children that experience. They shared this idea and followed up seriously. Soon, things began falling into place, and Chess Camp with GM Harshit Raja was organised. The 12-hour masterclass happened on 25th and 26th May 2025 in Mumbai. Kudos to these two mothers who made something happen for the journey of many young players. Read the article to see how it all came together. Photo: Vidhi Karelia
It all began with a birthday!
On the 10th of May, during The Big Chess Summer Camp 2025, former U-10 State Champion Neemay Bhanushali celebrated his birthday at the Phoenix ChessBase India Chess Club. He was present there with his mother, Neelam, and fellow chess players. The chess-themed cake, everyone singing and wishing Neemay, it was such a beautiful moment to witness! Kids were enjoying the cake and the fun. But something else was quietly taking shape in the background.
Neemay Bhanushali and Gaurang Bhandari are budding talents of Mumbai. On Neemay’s birthday, their mother walked up to Sagar Shah and shared an idea: “Can we organise a chess camp where they get to learn from a really strong player?” It wasn’t a formal request; it was just two mothers who genuinely cared about the growth of their children and other budding talents around them! And they didn’t stop at just suggesting the idea. Two days later, Neetu, Gaurang’s mother, contacted our Events Co-ordinator, Dr. Vidhi Karelia, to follow up on the idea. And the momentum began from there.
We wanted our kids to learn from players who have succeeded under the heat of top-level tournaments. Our children already attend regular sessions, but they needed something more- deeper strategic thinking and practical skills that only come from training led by those who have navigated real competition. Their firsthand experience under pressure is invaluable and rare in everyday chess coaching. - Neelam shared how the idea of this camp started.
The timing couldn’t have been better. GM Harshit Raja was already coming for the Simul event after The Big Inter-School Chess Tournament 2025, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to ask him if he could lead the camp. Thankfully, he graciously agreed to take the camp. He was expected to fly out soon for the Stephan Avgyan Memorial, but Sagar managed to confirm Harshit’s availability just in time. In fact, Harshit flew out directly after the camp ended.
Race against time!
After Harshit confirmed, the next big question was: where would the camp take place? One of the parents generously offered their home as a possible venue. But with the help of Praful Zaveri, we got SMCA (South Mumbai Chess Academy) as the host. They were kind enough to offer their beautiful, well-equipped space for the two-day camp.
We actually had a very limited time, with hardly any buffer to organise or publicise the event. But what happened next was nothing short of amazing. Neelam and Neetu, the two moms who planted the idea, took charge. They personally contacted parents, shared details, and gathered a list of interested participants. Before we had even announced the camp publicly, 80% of the seats were already filled. Thanks to their dedication and efforts! All the spots were filled a day before the camp began.
The first day of the camp went smoothly as planned. But day 2 brought an unexpected challenge, not in terms of puzzles, but in terms of weather. It was raining heavily in Mumbai. Roads were waterlogged, public transport was at a standstill, and most players were running late. But in true Mumbai spirit, they made it! Harshit himself arrived drenched just minutes before the session was to begin. But everyone showed up! The session started late, but once everyone settled in, the energy was back! The rest of the day was packed with lots of learning, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
We understand that a two-day camp won’t magically transform our children. But it can give them direction, planting seeds of strategic thinking. To truly reap the benefits, short camps like these should be part of a larger plan. We would love to see such sessions held regularly. - Neelam Bhanushali shared.
Being a chess parent in Mumbai and having our coach in Pune, I have always been looking for ways to arrange offline coaching opportunities for my son. Chess camps are a great way to do that since they make learning more fun. Chessbase India has always been very helpful when it comes to encouraging chess. So when I requested IM Sagar at one of Phoenix Marketcity Club meets to organize a GM chess camp in Mumbai, he agreed. Dr Vidhi was instrumental in bringing the camp to life. The camp was very well arranged. GM Harshit was very kind to do this. We look forward to more such camps in Mumbai! - Neetu Bhandari shared.
Their words just sum up what this camp meant. It wouldn’t have happened without the initiative, dedication, and love of these two mothers. They saw a need, shared an idea, and followed through with all their heart. They sparked something meaningful not only for their children but for everyone involved.
Check out all the photos here.