On April 17, 2019, three visionaries – Sonkalan, Asmita, and Arpita – sat nervously in a modest Kolkata drawing room, surrounded by chessboards, a flickering TV screen playing chess tutorials, and a bold logo: The Knight Chess Academy (KCA). Their mission? Simple yet profound: to blend their love for teaching with their passion for nurturing young minds through chess. Little did they know this day would mark the start of a legacy.

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### **Chapter 1: Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams**

It all began with chicken fries, cold drinks, and endless conversations on a sunlit terrace. Sonkalan (20), a professional chess player with an idea of creating a space for young players to improve, and Asmita (18), a teen with boundless energy for training kids, dreamed of creating a space where chess wasn’t just a game – it was a life skill. Arpita (46), the backbone of operations, brought administrative wisdom to the table. Together, they transformed their home into a chess haven.

The first breakthrough came hours later. A father walked in with his two children. “Two siblings, Venkat and Yashika – our first admission!” recalls Asmita. The thrill of that moment fueled them. By the end of the month, they had 5 students, each paying ₹500/month. It wasn’t about the money but the joy of watching kids light up as they learned the Greek Gift or solve puzzles.

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### **Chapter 2: The COVID Pivot – From Crisis to Creativity**

By early 2020, KCA was thriving offline… until the pandemic hit. Classes halted, but their spirit didn’t. “Why not try online?” Asmita suggested. With ChessBase, Zoom, and sheer grit, they reinvented coaching. To their surprise, kids loved it! Interactive lessons, digital boards, and virtual tournaments kept the magic alive.

The gamble paid off. Sonkalan joined Asmita in online coaching, and KCA expanded rapidly. Various posts on Facebook brought ₹1,00,000 in monthly sales within 3 months. From 3 coaches to a team of 10+ trainers, KCA was now a hybrid academy – reaching students in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and even the USA.

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### **Chapter 3: Strengths That Built Champions**

Today, KCA stands tall because of its trio’s unique strengths:

– Arpita Ma’am: The “Night Owl Administrator” who handles queries across time zones, ensuring seamless operations.

– Asmita: The multitasker—coach, social media whiz, and lead generator—who makes chess fun for kids.

– Sonkalan: The strategist behind professional training modules and mentor to KCA’s coaches.

Their secret? Passion over profit.

“The satisfaction of seeing a child smile after checkmating their opponent? That’s priceless,” says Sonkalan.

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### **Chapter 4: The Unexpected USP – Love for Little Minds**

KCA never chased “USPs” – until a parent coined theirs:

“KCA doesn’t just teach chess. They make kids aged 4–7 fall in love with the game. And the results? Proven.”

From US National Champion to World #1, KCA’s students shine globally. But beyond trophies, they focus on life skills: critical thinking, patience, and resilience. “Chess isn’t just about winning. It’s about preparing kids to win at life,” Arpita explains.

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### **Chapter 5: Six Years, Countless Smiles**

Six years later, KCA’s purpose remains unchanged. They’ve trained over 700 students, hosted multiple tournaments, and still celebrate every tiny victory – a child’s first checkmate, or a parent’s grateful message.

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### **The Knight’s Promise**

The Knight Chess Academy isn’t just a coaching center. It’s a family that believes in:

– Personalized Growth: Tailored coaching for every age and skill level.

– Global Reach, Local Heart: From Kolkata to California, they nurture champions with humility.

– Life Beyond Chess: Building focus, creativity, and confidence that last a lifetime.As Sonkalan, Asmita, and Arpita often say: “We don’t create chess players. We shape future thinkers.”

♟️ The Knight Chess Academy – Where Every Pawn Has a Purpose. ♟️

“Shaping Beginners into Champions”.

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Date Published: 17-04-2025

Author: The Knight Chess Academy Team