Chess Tournament 2025 Concludes with a Powerful Message: “Practice Makes Perfect”
The 2025 ASAS Chess Championship marked the second successful year of the prestigious in-school tournament, with around 70 students from grades 6 to 8 participating in the event.
Following a rigorous five-stage competition, the top 16 players emerged from initial classroom rounds, gradually narrowing down to the final four. Giorgi Natroshvili (Grade 7) and Luka Salkhutsishvili (Grade 8A) shared third place after intense semifinal matches.
The final showdown featured a thrilling match between 7th grader Alexander Gasviani and 6th grader Nikoloz Rafava. After a tense and strategic battle, Nikoloz Rafava claimed the championship title, becoming the youngest winner of the tournament to date.
This year’s competition was held under the inspiring slogan: “Practice Makes Perfect” and “Every Grandmaster Was Once a Beginner”, reflecting the tournament’s deeper message about perseverance and personal growth.
The championship was a joint effort led by the school’s chess instructor and Georgian language and literature teacher, Ilia Tsetskhladze, whose initiative helped shape the tournament into not just a competition but a transformative learning experience.
“High-quality learning happens when students are fully engaged. Chess develops focus, critical thinking, and responsibility—skills that shape not just players, but well-rounded individuals. They learn to be responsible for their actions—both in the game and in life,” Tsetskhladze emphasized.
During the award ceremony, the chess instructor shared:
“I’ve seen how chess transforms students—building motivation, confidence, and resilience. It doesn’t matter how old you are or when you start. What matters is character and hard work. That’s why I love chess. It’s a game of life.”
Congratulations to all the participants for their passion and dedication—and especially to our 2025 champion, Nikoloz Rafava!
