Armenian School Team Enters Top 10 at the World Chess Championship

The World School Team Chess Championship 2025 (WSCT 2025) concluded in the USA, organized by the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) with the support of FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp. More than 50 teams from various countries took part in the event, each competing for a place among the chess elite.

Armenia was represented by the team of the Gyumri “Photon” Lyceum, which achieved an excellent result — 7th place overall. This success is especially valuable given the high level of the opponents. Another reason for pride was Aida Alvandzhyan’s bronze medal on Board 4. The gold medal on this board went to A. R. Ilamparthi from India, while silver was claimed by Murodali Saifiev from Tajikistan.

Organizers noted that in the 21st century, a leader is not only someone who makes quick decisions but also someone who can see the big picture. Chess, they said, develops precisely these qualities: the ability to build cause-and-effect links, assess risks, maintain focus, and work in a team.

ISCF President Timur Turlov emphasized that chess should become the “second literacy” of a modern person, along with reading and writing. He noted that chess is already being introduced into Armenian schools, and the international success of the team is a vivid confirmation of the effectiveness of this program.

In the overall WSCT 2025 standings, India took first place, Kazakhstan came second, and the USA finished third. The Armenian team’s place in the top 10 among more than fifty of the world’s strongest school squads sent a clear signal: the national chess school remains highly competitive, and young Armenian chess players are representing their country with honor on the global stage.