THE prestigious SJKT Azad Chess Championship 2025 made its debut this year with an impressive showing, drawing more than 200 young players from across Malaysia and even overseas, marking a significant milestone for the school and Penang’s growing chess community.
Organised for the first time by Tejay Brilliant Chess Academy, in collaboration with PIBG SJKT Azadand supported by the Penang Chess Association, the tournament featured participants aged five to 18, representing 94 educational institutions including kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, international schools and even a college.
Players came from six Malaysian states, with one participant travelling from China, adding to the event’s international flair.
SJKT Azad chess coach and FIDE-licensed arbiter/trainer Eswaran Somasundaram, who led the organising efforts, said the idea for the tournament took shape earlier this year.
“I met Senator Saraswathy Kandasami during Thaipusam and asked for her support to help our students with chess equipment and fees, including the children from Penang Shan Children’s Home.
“She agreed and also encouraged us to organise a tournament by the end of the year,” Eswaran shared.
Further support soon followed when state executive councillor, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu stepped in as a sponsor, contributing imported wooden chess sets and generous cash prizes.
Although he was unable to attend the event due to unavoidable reasons, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng graciously stepped in to present prizes to the winners.
With strong backing from the community and chess enthusiasts, the inaugural tournament proved to be a resounding success.
When asked whether this was the first time such a tournament was held, Eswaran confirmed.
“Yes, this is the first time Tejay Brilliant Chess Academy is organising a tournament in collaboration with PIBG SJKT Azad, supported by the Penang Chess Association.
“We are proud to see such overwhelming participation,” he said.
The competition featured multiple categories and a full prize list, complete with trophies, medals and cash rewards, thanks to its dedicated sponsors.
Eswaran emphasised that the tournament’s main objective was to expose students to the atmosphere of real, international-level competition.
“For young players, tournaments are where they apply what’s taught in class.
“We wanted them to feel what it’s like to compete on a bigger stage,” he said.
With the success of this year’s event, SJKT Azad is already looking ahead.
“SJKT Azad Chess Championship 2025 will return next year as the SJKT Azad Chess Championship 2026.
“It will now be an annual tournament,” Eswaran confirmed.
Beyond chess, the school is gearing up for more sporting activities.
According to SJKT Azad Senior Assistant for Co-curriculum, Pusparani Nadaraja, there are other sports activities in the pipeline, which will be introduced in near future.
“We are working on other sports initiatives as well, including the Jogathon Azad.
The goal is to encourage wider participation and healthy competition among students,” she said.
Story by Kevin Vimal