Battle of Minds 2025: Modern International School’s Young Grandmasters Dazzle in Intra-School Chess Championship Finals

Final Held on May 9, 2025 – A Celebration of Strategy, Intellect, and Victory

The chessboards were out, the clocks ticking, and minds sharp as razors — Battle of Minds 2025, Modern International School’s much-awaited Intra-School Chess Championship, culminated in a thrilling finale on May 9. What started as a quiet tournament soon evolved into a grand intellectual showdown, stirring excitement across classes, corridors, and even the homes of proud parents.

Divided into four age-based groups — Group 1 (Classes 1–2), Group 2 (Classes 3–5), Group 3 (Classes 6–8), and Group 4 (Classes 9–12) — the championship drew over 200 students into intense rounds of mental gymnastics. With every match, students honed their critical thinking, focus, and strategic foresight, all under the watchful eyes of teachers, mentors, and their eager peers.

Champions of Strategy: A Look at the Winners of Battle of Minds 2025

From the youngest thinkers to the seasoned teenage tacticians, Battle of Minds brought out incredible stories of brilliance and determination.

In Group 1, the junior-most category, Shourya Solanki (2nd A) emerged as the 1st place winner, impressing judges with his composure and tactical acumen. Advik Gupta (2nd B) came in a close 2nd, surprising everyone with his calm and careful gameplay.

Group 2 was a showcase of deep thinking and fast moves. Vastas Dixit (4th B) claimed 1st place after a dramatic endgame. Saksham Bagasi (3rd B) earned 2nd, while Bhavik (4th B) secured 3rd, making it a proud day for the primary wing.

In the fiercely competitive Group 3, Kartik Jha (8th A) led the board to victory and secured the 1st position, followed by Kaustav Dash (8th B) in 2nd and Aarav Tandon (6th B) in 3rd. Their ability to think five steps ahead left everyone awestruck.

The seniors in Group 4 delivered power-packed performances that mirrored professional play. Kushal Satpathy (9th B) clinched 1st place, while Nikunj Sharma (11th B) and Akansha (10th B) earned 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Their matches were not just games — they were chess masterclasses.

Chairman Dr. B.N. Nigam: “Battle of Minds Is More Than a Game — It’s Our Vision in Action”

Addressing the audience during the prize distribution, Chairman Dr. B.N. Nigam expressed immense pride in the success of Battle of Minds.

“The ability to think before acting, to assess a situation from all angles, and to make logical decisions — these are life skills, and chess nurtures them beautifully. Battle of Minds is not just about who wins — it’s about how our students are learning to think, to lead, and to stay calm under pressure. Shourya, Advik, Kartik, Vastas, and every participant has made us proud today. They are the future we are building — intelligent, thoughtful, and resilient.”

Principal Ms. Sima J. Singh: “This Battle Had Only One Outcome — Growth”

Principal Ms. Sima J. Singh shared how Battle of Minds fits perfectly into the school’s learning ecosystem.

“Today was not just a chess championship — it was a celebration of everything we believe in: curiosity, resilience, and the joy of learning. From our tiniest players in Group 1 to the calm confidence of our Group 4 finalists, every child walked away wiser. The growth we witnessed today, as educators, is priceless. And to our parents — thank you for nurturing this passion in your children. You’ve given them a priceless gift: the confidence to think and compete.”

Vice Chairman Dr. Gaurav Nigam: “This Battle Builds Thinkers, Not Just Winners”

Dr. Gaurav Nigam, who has been a strong advocate for co-curricular excellence, spoke about the deeper impact of the event.

“Every move on the board today was a reflection of our children’s inner world — organized, imaginative, and disciplined. Battle of Minds wasn’t just a chess tournament; it was a mental Olympics. Events like these teach students how to strategize not just on a board but in life. They learn to lose with grace and win with humility — both equally important. Congratulations to our young masters, and especially to their families, for being such powerful support systems.”

Director Dr. Priya Mathur: “Our Dream Is Taking Shape — One Battle at a Time”

With pride and emotion, Director Dr. Priya Mathur spoke about how the school’s vision of nurturing well-rounded individuals is being fulfilled.

“Our goal was always clear — to create thinkers, dreamers, and doers. Battle of Minds was a beautiful manifestation of that vision. These are not just chess champions; they are young visionaries. I watched Group 2 players calculating moves as fast as high schoolers, and seniors showing incredible emotional control and planning. We’re preparing students not just for exams, but for life. And what a beautiful life it will be — filled with intelligence, grace, and passion.”

A School That Builds Strategy, Confidence, and Community

The success of Battle of Minds 2025 goes far beyond the medals and applause. It reflects the culture at Modern International School — where competitions are designed not just to reward but to shape. Every match taught students how to stay calm under pressure, recover from setbacks, and cheer for others.

The school’s corridors still buzz with stories — of surprise checkmates, of students helping each other rehearse strategies, of parents joyfully capturing their children’s wins on their phones. The chess boards may be packed away for now, but the lessons remain.

A total of 140 students from across all classes participated in this prestigious tournament, making Battle of Minds 2025 a truly competitive and intellectually stimulating event. After several rounds of intense matches, the most strategic and focused minds emerged as winners in their respective groups, earning not only medals but also the admiration of their peers and mentors.

Final Results Snapshot – Battle of Minds 2025

Group 1 (Classes 1–2):
🥇 Shourya Solanki (2nd A)
🥈 Advik Gupta (2nd B)

Group 2 (Classes 3–5):
🥇 Vastas Dixit (4th B)
🥈 Saksham Bagasi (3rd B)
🥉 Bhavik (4th B)

Group 3 (Classes 6–8):
🥇 Kartik Jha (8th A)
🥈 Kaustav Dash (8th B)
🥉 Aarav Tandon (6th B)

Group 4 (Classes 9–12):
🥇 Kushal Satpathy (9th B)
🥈 Nikunj Sharma (11th B)
🥉 Akansha (10th B)

Modern International School has once again proven that it’s not just preparing children for board exams — but also for the chessboard of life. And in that game, every move counts.

Congratulations to all the winners, parents, mentors, and organizers for making Battle of Minds 2025 a triumph of intelligence, passion, and school spirit!

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