Keeping the much-needed requirements of the Capital's chess lovers in mind, a chess academy -- 64 Square Chess Academy -- was launched earlier this week, with an organised training programme to groom the prodigies of this cerebral sport.

Long-time national-level players and coaches, K C Joshi and G B Joshi have joined together and have promised to meet the long-standing demands of the chess-loving parents and children of the Capital by providing scientific training from the very beginning.

Incidentally, K C Joshi is the coach of Tania Sachdev, the reigning bronze medallist in the World (under-12) Championship while G B Joshi remains the only player from this part of the country to play in the prestigeous National `A' Championship on three occasions this decade.

The Academy was formally inaugurated at B-113, Lajpat Nagar 1 (near Defence Colony flyover) on May 3 when Tania Sachdev gave a simultaneous display with eight children. She won six and drew two.

According to the Joshis, coaching will be provided for 90 minutes, twice a week. Plans are also afoot to introduce computers so that the trainees can learn the nuances of the sport in an enjoyable and modern way. Books and literature will also be provided. Yoga and meditation will be part of the curriculum, the coaches informed.

The Academy will organise weekend, regular and inter-school competitions to help the trainees to get the feel of competitiveness from the early age. From time to time, many leading players of the country will visit the Academy and address the students to provide an opportunity to the youngsters to interact with senior players and learn from their experiences.

Due to paucity of space, initially only 25 children will be registered for the training programme. Further information can be had from S C Dimri, B-113 (3rd floor), Lajpat Nagar - 1, Ph: 6928245, 6924870.