Chess Coach
A champion who grooms potential champions, Zulfikar Ahmed
has trained more than 30 enthusiastic people in chess. Some of his
students have even participated in international events. A State
Chess Champion in 1993, he has also taken part in All India
Level tournaments from 1990 to 1993.
 He
thinks youngsters are more receptive to this sort of game. "Students
have patience to perform better in this kind of mental game. Firstly,
basic knowledge of the game is required. Experience also counts. Some
of the traits required are concentration and analytical judgement,"
says Zulfikar Ahmed.
The Karnataka Chess Association conducts several tournaments,
but there are not many coaches to help these budding youngsters. "It
is very popular in India. Many youngsters are attracted to the game.
We have five Grand Masters (GM) and a dozen or more International
Masters (IM). There is surely a lot of hope in the future."
Is the talent inborn? "it comes in the family. If someone in
the family is a doctor, the child also is interested in studying medicine.
Each player has his/her own style. Some are attacking, some are positional
and others are defensive. Children are quick learners. Their concentration
and patience is immense. Older people lack patience, and patience
is what counts in this particular game."
What about sponsorships? "More youngsters are participating
and, gradually, sponsorships are coming in from all corners."
Chess is a mental game requiring a lot of concentration. Don't young
minds feel the pressure? " They can relax by playing other
sports like yoga, swimming, and tennis. This way, they can balance
their temperament."
For more details contact: #392, 11th Cross, 20th Main,
J.P. Nagar, II Phase,
Bangalore - 560 078
 Being an
active sportsperson in school, Ganesh started playing hockey when
he joined the Army in 1965. With a lot of effort, he made it to the
Indian team and won the Silver medal at Bangkok Asian Games (1970).
Later, he was inducted to the Asian XI and the World XI
team.
Highlights: :1st World Cup Tournament (Barcelona, Bronze
medal -1971), Munich Olympic Games(Bronze medal -1972). He
captained the Indian Hockey team for 2nd World Cup at Amsterdam,
winning the Silver medal. Playing more than 100 international matches,
he coached and played for the Italian hockey club - Lavente Insurance
Company. Being a qualified coach, he coached the Indian hockey team
for Seoul Olympics, 1990 World Cup and Moscow Olympics
(1980). Joining the National Institute of Sports, he became the Special
Officer of Sports (Department of Youth Services), then Director of
Sports Authority of India (SAI - Imphal), and is now the Regional
Director of SAI at Bangalore. He was honoured with Arjuna
award in 1873.
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