LAHORE: Aayat Asmi, a 13-year-old Pakistani chess player, is introducing the game to schools in collaboration with the Punjab government. She is launching the game through a new pilot project to make chess more accessible to students.
Aayat Asmi, a Class 9 student at Learning Alliance International, presented her proposal for school-level chess to the Education and Sports Minister in Punjab.
Following the meeting, officials invited Aayat to support the launch of a pilot project covering 10 schools.
School Chess Initiative Takes Shape
Aayat has since been connected with a designated focal person to coordinate the programme. Over the next four to six months, schools will conduct structured chess activities.
Meanwhile, the project will involve both students and teachers while monitoring participation, feedback and overall outcomes.
Officials will use the findings to assess how schools can incorporate chess into their regular activities. The initiative also aims to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, chess can help students improve concentration and decision-making while providing opportunities to compete at different levels.
Aayat has already represented Pakistan internationally and holds the Woman Candidate Master title. She earned the title while representing the country at the Chess Olympiad in Hungary.
International Achievements
She also represented Pakistan at the World Schools Team Chess Championship in Kazakhstan, where she secured a bronze medal.
Her achievements have also received national recognition. In August 2023, Punjab Governor Baligh-ur-Rehman awarded her a Certificate of Excellence at Governor House.
Meanwhile, then Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wahab Riaz presented her with a Rs50,000 award in Lahore.
The student-led initiative has now developed into a structured 10-school pilot. Its results could help shape future plans for wider school-level chess participation across Punjab.
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