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RCB makes a power play as cricket meets checkmate at Chess and Chill
MUMBAI: Bengaluru had its own grand prix of minds on Sunday, as the city swerved from roaring engines to quiet concentration trading the F1 finish line for a row of chessboards at the RCB Bar & Café, which turned into an unlikely but electric battleground of cricketing charm and cerebral combat.
In a sporting crossover nobody saw coming, over 100 chess lovers poured into the city’s only franchise-driven pub for Chess and Chill, an event hosted by FYERS American Gambits of the Global Chess League. And leading the charge was RCB’s hometown favourite Shreyanka Patil, who swapped pace and power for pawns and plans, becoming the evening’s most cheered “rookie”.
Shreyanka, in a never-before avatar, sat across former international chess player Prachura PP who also co-owns FYERS American Gambits for a friendly but fiercely watched duel. With DJ Blaque spinning crowd favourites in the background, the atmosphere was equal parts checkmate and cheer squad, proving that strategy can vibe just as hard as sportainment.
Returning to what she calls her “favourite hub”, Shreyanka admitted she was far from her comfort zone. “Firstly, I was very nervous because if you put me on a cricket field, I know what to do,” she laughed. “But for the past two days, I’ve been practising chess on my iPad constantly. Even when I go to bed, I’m like, okay, let me just win.”
Her mantra for the match borrowed inspiration from RCB’s biggest icon. “For me, I think no matter what, I have to give my 120 per cent… and that comes from Virat (Kohli). You have to give that extra push at times.”
What stood out through the evening was the seamless blending of sports cultures. Shreyanka praised RCB’s commitment to supporting disciplines beyond cricket. “Now, sport in India has grown immensely. People knew only cricket as the go-to sport, but now you can see kabaddi being a big sport, chess being a big sport.”
She also pointed to the Gukesh-effect, crediting India’s new generation of prodigies for rewriting narratives. “People are talking about youngsters like Gukesh, he’s the youngest player shining on the world stage. It’s refreshing to know other sports are making their name at the top.”
The FYERS American Gambits, whose squad boasts none other than World No.2 Hikaru Nakamura, are gearing up for an explosive opening match on 14 December, where Nakamura will face reigning world champion D Gukesh. For co-owner Prachura, Sunday’s event was the perfect warm-up.
“Chess is a sport that can benefit athletes from different disciplines,” he said. “This was a first-of-its-kind association between chess and cricket. There is so much we can learn and exchange between the two sports.”
With the Global Chess League kicking off next week, the Gambits saw Bengaluru’s chess-and-cricket mash-up as a symbolic start. “There couldn’t have been a better way to launch our campaign,” Prachura added. “It was wonderful to have over 100 chess players participate and to see Shreyanka join in. It’s fantastic to see RCB extend their support to sports beyond cricket.”
What began as an evening of easy banter quickly turned into a reminder of how India’s sporting fabric is evolving where franchises are no longer defined by one game, fans no longer stick to one passion, and players like Shreyanka Patil are just as eager to protect their king as they are to defend their wicket.
In the end, the pub witnessed more than a friendly match. It witnessed a sporting culture levelling up, one thoughtful move at a time.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
