Archive · 17 Sep 2025
New Jersey Teenager Launches Chess Program for Girls in India
A 16-year-old girl from New Jersey, Avika Shukla, noticed fewer girls playing chess.
She started 'Checkmate Betul,' an online program to teach chess to schoolgirls in Betul, India.
The program uses online classes with experienced female chess players from around the world.
The girls learn chess basics and are encouraged to pursue the sport further.
The classes are interactive, with girls also discussing their aspirations, and aim to provide female role models.
The goal is to expand the program to more schools and encourage girls to participate in chess tournaments.
Avika Shukla, a New Jersey high-schooler, launched Checkmate Betul, an online chess program.
The program provides online chess coaching to schoolgirls in Betul, India.
Experienced women players from various locations are the program's trainers.
75 schoolgirls have attended the online sessions over the past two months.
The goal is to expand the program and encourage participation in chess tournaments.
- Who
- Avika Shukla, a 16-year-old from New Jersey
- What
- Started an online chess program called Checkmate Betul
- When
- The first session was held in July this year.
- Where
- Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Why
- To address the gender disparity in chess and provide opportunities for girls
- Initiative Name
- Checkmate Betul
- Founder
- Avika Shukla, 16-year-old from New Jersey
- Location
- Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Participants
- 75 schoolgirls
- Trainers
- Woman International Master (WIM) Iris Mou and others
- Program Type
- Online chess coaching
- Partner
- Chess.com