The Sri Lanka Chess Trainers Commission successfully continued its Trainers Development Program with a Level 1 Certificate Program held in Polonnaruwa on April 4th and 5th at Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.

The recent "Knowledge for Masters" session, organized by the Chess Trainers’ Commission of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL), marked a significant milestone for the local chess community. Featuring the legendary Grandmaster R. B. Ramesh, the online event provided Sri Lankan trainers with a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most respected minds in global chess coaching.

A Masterclass in Excellence

GM R. B. Ramesh, India’s 10th Grandmaster and a recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya Award (2023), brought a wealth of elite-level experience to the virtual stage. Known globally as the mentor behind prodigies like R. Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu, Ramesh’s insights went beyond basic tactics, focusing instead on the psychological and structural frameworks required to build world-class players.

Strategic Focus for Local Growth

The session was specifically designed for high-level development, targeting:

FIDE Instructors (FI) and National Instructors (NI).

Development Instructors and CFSL Level Certificate holders.

Trainers with a FIDE rating above 1600.

By focusing on this core group of educators, the CFSL ensures that the knowledge shared by GM Ramesh trickles down to students across the country, elevating the overall standard of play in Sri Lanka.

Key Takeaways

Participants gained firsthand knowledge of the training methodologies that have propelled Indian chess to the forefront of the international arena. The session emphasized:

*** The Role of the Mentor: Moving beyond being just a teacher to becoming a psychological anchor for students.

*** Training Rigor: Understanding the discipline required for players to transition from national levels to international titles.

*** Insightful Analysis: Ramesh shared his unique perspective on how to evaluate positions and cultivate a deep "chess intuition" in young learners.

Building a Brighter Future

The "Knowledge for Masters" initiative highlights the commitment of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka to professionalizing chess coaching. Hosting figures of GM R. B. Ramesh’s caliber not only inspires local trainers but also provides them with the practical tools needed to identify and nurture the next generation of Sri Lankan Grandmasters.

Events like these bridge the gap between local talent and global standards, ensuring that the future of Sri Lankan chess is in capable, well-informed hands.