Our Journey
Desi Chess Factory was co-founded in 2025 by Poonam Baghel (CEO) and Himanshu Holkar with a vision to transform North India into a powerhouse of chess. Inspired by her husband, an international FIDE-rated chess player, Poonam envisioned a platform where children from small towns and villages could learn chess professionally.
Our mission is to provide affordable chess education to every child, fostering a supportive and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and excel. We aim to produce international FIDE-rated players from public, private, and government schools across North India."
MEET OUR TEAM
Poonam Baghel
Founder & CEO
A passionate advocate for chess education, Poonam co-founded Desi Chess Factory to make chess accessible to children from all backgrounds. Her vision is to nurture young minds and create a network of chess enthusiasts dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
Himanshu Holkar
SOCIAL MEDIA & ADVERTISING MANAGER
Himanshu handles the social media and advertising for Desi Chess Factory. His dedication to promoting chess in small towns and villages has been instrumental in growing our community.
Our Core values
"At Desi Chess Factory, our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our mission to make chess accessible and enjoyable for every child, regardless of their background or resources. Here’s what we stand for:"
Value 1: Accessibility for All
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and play chess. That’s why we offer affordable programs and strive to reach children in small towns and villages across North India.
Value 2: Excellence in Education
Our trainers are passionate about chess and dedicated to providing the highest quality of instruction. We focus on personalised training to help each student reach their full potential.
Value 3: Community and Support
We are more than just a chess academy – we are a family. We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students can learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships.
Value 4: Passion for Chess
Chess is not just a game for us; it’s a way of life. We are committed to nurturing a love for chess in every student and helping them develop critical thinking, strategy, and confidence.
Value 5: Continuous Improvement
We believe in the power of continuous learning and improvement. Our programs are designed to help students grow not only as chess players but also as individuals who are prepared to face life’s challenges.