09/02/2026
Asfand Ansari has officially started his chess journey.
At 5 years old, he has now started weekly chess classes and I’m excited to see where this journey takes him.
Chess is much more than moving pieces on a board. It teaches a child to think before acting, concentrate, plan ahead, understand consequences, solve problems, stay patient, handle losing, think independently, and make decisions under pressure.
As a parent, I don’t want to raise a child who only knows how to win. I want to raise one who knows how to think, how to lose gracefully, how to try again, and how to make better decisions.
And this is something I believe Pakistan needs desperately, children who are encouraged to think, question, analyse, create and solve problems rather than simply memorise answers.
Sports build the body.
Music builds expression.
Reading builds imagination.
Chess builds the mind.
At 5, there is no pressure to become a champion. There is simply an opportunity to learn, explore and enjoy the journey.
One move at a time.
And who knows… perhaps one day Asfand will teach his father a thing or two on that board.
It’s time we give our children more opportunities to think.
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