Teachers’ Award 2026 in Mumbai and International Arbiter Role at Commonwealth Schools Chess Championship in Malaysia
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 4: Andaman & Nicobar’s chess community has reason to celebrate. B. Neelaiah, a Primary School Teacher, Chess Instructor and Arbiter, has brought double honour to the Islands by being conferred the Teachers’ Award 2026 in Mumbai and appointed as an International Arbiter for the Commonwealth Schools Chess Championship in Malaysia, being held from October 4–12, 2026.
The Teachers’ Award recognises his pioneering use of chess as a tool for education and social awareness, most notably through his efforts to engage children on important environmental issues such as plastic waste.
His appointment as an International Arbiter at a major Commonwealth-level championship now takes his contribution to chess onto the international platform, providing further recognition to the dedicated work being carried out by the chess fraternity in the Islands.
For years, Neelaiah has been closely involved in the development of chess across the Islands through tournaments, school programmes and youth initiatives. His consistent efforts as a teacher, chess instructor and arbiter have played an important role in nurturing young talent and building a stronger chess culture in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Andaman & Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) and the entire chess fraternity of the Islands warmly congratulate Neelaiah on these two significant honours. His achievements are a reflection of his tireless commitment to both education and chess, and a source of pride for the Islands.
ANCA hopes that these recognitions will inspire more young islanders to take up chess, pursue excellence and carry the Andaman & Nicobar flag to national and international arenas.