A Story That Begins Before the First Move
Welcome To ThinQ Chess
Founders' Note
ThinQ Chess began with its founders, who saw more than black-and-white squares. They saw a way to help children build confidence, resilience, and the ability to think through every challenge, on the board and beyond.
The founders’ vision came from a deep need to do things differently—to create a space that wasn’t just about producing champions but raising thinkers. Today, we proudly run a growing academy where children aren’t just learning chess; they’re learning how to believe in themselves.
Every batch, every parent-teacher call, every game day reminds us why we started.
Our Team
Krishna Thapa
I began playing chess at 8 and went on to win gold at the 2019 Asian Amateur Championship. With a peak FIDE rating of 2180, I’ve played legends like Harikrishna, Wei Yi, and Dubov. I’ve also scored wins against several Grandmasters and IMs. Since 2008, I’ve coached players across Australia, Thailand, Nepal, and India.
Chiranth M D
With 18 years in chess, I’ve won 100+ trophies and represented Karnataka at SGFI Nationals. I was Category C Champion at the 2025 Bengaluru International GM Tournament. As a coach for 5 years, I’ve guided students to FIDE ratings and national titles.
Adarsh Sanklecha
I started playing chess at the age of eight and began competing professionally by the time I was thirteen, improving mostly through self-study. I secured 2nd place in the U-19 state-level tournaments and have participated in four national events. As the co-founder of Chess City Raipur, I’ve been working to make chess more accessible by organising tournaments and promoting the game among underprivileged children. For me, chess is more than a sport; it’s a way of life that continues to shape how I think, plan, and grow.
Janhavi Soneji
I’m Janhavi Soneji, a Chartered Accountant who turned a childhood love for chess into a meaningful and successful journey. I started playing at seven and have earned multiple state and national accolades since. I’m a three-time DSO national champion, three-time state champion, and secured 5th place at the U-17 Nationals—proof that with passion and perseverance, dreams do turn into achievements.
Krishna Thapa
I began playing chess at 8 and went on to win gold at the 2019 Asian Amateur Championship. With a peak FIDE rating of 2180, I’ve played legends like Harikrishna, Wei Yi, and Dubov. I’ve also scored wins against several Grandmasters and IMs. Since 2008, I’ve coached players across Australia, Thailand, Nepal, and India.
Chiranth M D
With 18 years in chess, I’ve won 100+ trophies and represented Karnataka at SGFI Nationals. I was Category C Champion at the 2025 Bengaluru International GM Tournament. As a coach for 5 years, I’ve guided students to FIDE ratings and national titles.
Adarsh Sanklecha
I started playing chess at the age of eight and began competing professionally by the time I was thirteen, improving mostly through self-study. I secured 2nd place in the U-19 state-level tournaments and have participated in four national events. As the co-founder of Chess City Raipur, I’ve been working to make chess more accessible by organising tournaments and promoting the game among underprivileged children. For me, chess is more than a sport; it’s a way of life that continues to shape how I think, plan, and grow.
Janhavi Soneji
I’m Janhavi Soneji, a Chartered Accountant who turned a childhood love for chess into a meaningful and successful journey. I started playing at seven and have earned multiple state and national accolades since. I’m a three-time DSO national champion, three-time state champion, and secured 5th place at the U-17 Nationals—proof that with passion and perseverance, dreams do turn into achievements.
