Sirmaur govt excels at national chess event

Students of Government Senior Secondary School, Kangar-Dharyar, have brought pride to Himachal Pradesh by securing eighth place at the recently concluded National Chess Championship held in Theog, Shimla district.

The school stood out as the only government institution from the state and the sole government school across India to secure a spot in the top ten, competing against 46 leading private and public schools from across the country.

Displaying exceptional skill, composure and strategic thinking, the team’s performance earned widespread acclaim and marked a proud moment for both Sirmaur district and the state.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy as chess was introduced at the school only last year as a co-curricular activity. The team — comprising Arushi, Manan, Yashasvi, Priyanshi and Harsh — demonstrated strong focus and discipline throughout the tournament.

School spokesperson Suresh Kumar credited the accomplishment to the dedication of both students and staff. He highlighted the role of Physical Education teacher Rahul Sharma, whose mentorship was key to the team’s preparation and success.

The acting principal, Sushma Lata, expressed pride in the students’ achievement, describing it as a source of inspiration for government school students across the state. She said the result proves that with proper guidance and determination, students from rural and government-run institutions can compete with the best in the country.

The accomplishment has not only elevated the educational profile of Sirmaur district but also set a new benchmark for government schools nationwide, reaffirming that talent, when nurtured, can rise above all odds.