Checkmate Betul: Redefining Education and Confidence for Young Girls

It often starts with a simple question: “Can you teach us?” For 16-year-old Avika Shukla, a summer visit to Betul, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, presented such a moment. While playing chess with the children of her housekeeper, she was asked to share her skills. The timing seemed impossible Avika was about to return to the United States. Distance, resources, and time posed clear obstacles. Yet, instead of letting the moment slip away, she saw a door: the possibility of using technology to bridge gaps and empower young learners. That single question became the seed for Checkmate Betul, a youth-led chess initiative that is changing lives.The Birth of Checkmate BetulCheckmate Betul is not just a chess program; it is a vision turned reality. Founded by a high-school student living in New York, the initiative focuses on introducing girls between the ages of 8 and 18 to chess for the very first time. Beyond teaching the rules and strategies of the game, the program nurtures confidence, critical thinking, patience, and consistency. What began as a casual interaction blossomed into a structured program capable of reaching hundreds of eager learners across schools and tuition centres in a region where professional chess coaching is rare.A Personal Journey Ignites a Larger VisionAvika’s love for chess began at the age of five, introduced by her grandfather. For her, chess was more than a hobby; it was a discipline that fostered patience, strategic thinking, and resilience. Participation in national and local tournaments shaped her competitive spirit, while her association with Queens United Chess in Chicago exposed her to the gender divide in the chess world. Only a small fraction of FIDE-rated players are girls, and this disparity inspired Avika to create a space where girls could learn and thrive in a supportive, female-focused environment. Checkmate Betul reflects both her personal journey and her vision for social change.Learning Without LimitsThe program operates on a blended learning model, uniquely suited to the constraints of the region. Physical chessboards are provided in classrooms or tuition centres, while instructors guide students online. This approach emerged out of necessity: many schools in Betul lack in-house chess coaches, but they have motivated students. This model ensures consistent learning and mentorship, even with limited local resources, allowing girls to experience structured chess training that was previously inaccessible to them. At Checkmate Betul, learning begins with understanding the board and the movement of each piece. Students play simple games without pressure, gradually building both skill and confidence. Once comfortable, they move on to tactics, problem-solving, and strategy. This gradual progression reflects the program’s philosophy: mastery emerges not through haste but through patience, encouragement, and a strong foundation. For the girls, chess becomes a mirror of life itself, teaching planning, resilience, and the ability to think ahead.Why Only Girls?Checkmate Betul intentionally works exclusively with girls, a decision rooted in awareness of the male-dominated nature of competitive chess. “Chess has historically been male-dominated, and even today, only about 11 out of every 100 FIDE-rated players are girls,” Avika explains. The initiative provides an inclusive space where girls can develop their skills without the pressure of constantly proving themselves. An all-girls team of instructors and volunteers ensures that mentorship, guidance, and camaraderie are always present, fostering both confidence and community.Technology as a CatalystTechnology has been central to Checkmate Betul’s success. It enables students to learn from instructors thousands of miles away, allowing for real-time guidance and interactive sessions. The initiative exemplifies how innovation can overcome logistical and geographic challenges. By combining traditional chess boards with digital instruction, the program creates a hybrid model that is both accessible and engaging—a blueprint for expanding educational opportunities in underserved regions.A Lesson for AllCheckmate Betul is a story about vision, courage, and the power of saying yes. Avika’s response to a simple request unlocked a door that has transformed a community and inspired a generation of girls. It is a lesson that opportunity is rarely perfect, but it is always present. And when courage meets creativity, even the smallest question can become a movement capable of changing lives, shaping futures, and proving that age, distance, and circumstance are no match for determination and innovation.