Bahrain Youth Take Chess Challenge to Europe

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Four young chess enthusiasts from Bahrain are representing the Kingdom at an international stage this week, competing in the ongoing Serbia Open 2025 in Belgrade. The students, all from Arjun’s Chess Academy (ACA), are participating as part of the academy’s annual summer exposure trip.

Navaneet Sreekanth, Mikael Vivek Joseph, Gabriel Vivek Joseph, and Arnav Singh Dewan travelled to the Serbian capital under the mentorship of their coach and academy director, Arjun Kakkadath. The tournament, which runs from July 14th to 24th, offers young players a valuable opportunity to test their skills against international competition.

Global exposure

According to the academy, the trip is designed to provide more than just competition - it’s about immersion in high-level chess culture. The students are gaining real-time experience against a wide range of international opponents, while also learning to adapt to the pressures and dynamics of professional chess tournaments.

“We remain committed to nurturing young talent by providing unique opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom, fostering growth through real-world chess experiences,” said Arjun Kakkadath, Director of Arjun’s Chess Academy.

Bahrain’s chess rise

ACA’s participation at the Serbia Open is part of its broader strategy to elevate Bahrain’s profile in global chess circles. The academy, which has also organised high-participation tournaments in the Kingdom, is positioning itself as a hub for youth chess development.

The Belgrade experience, the academy believes, will go a long way in sharpening the students’ skills and building their confidence as they progress through competitive chess pathways. The tournament concludes on July 24th.