Chess Academy… but a unique one!
There are many chess academies in India. But very few of them are truly unique! One of them is the Hatsun Chess Academy in Tamil Nadu, one of the reputed chess academies in India. It’s supported by Hatsun Agro Products Ltd and led by GM Vishnu Prasanna, former coach of World Champion D Gukesh.
When you think of a chess academy, you might picture a place where chess is taught through regular sessions. But Hatsun Chess Academy is different. It combines chess with fitness, meditation, and character building. It’s like a modern-day Gurukul, where students devote their full energy to chess and also build life skills.
An academy envisioned by GM Vishnu Prasanna, the former coach of World Champion D Gukesh
Interview with the Chairman of Hatsun Group, Chandramogan, who founded the Hatsun Chess Academy. | Video: ChessBase India
The academy is based in Thiruthangal, near Sivakasi, about 70 km from Madurai airport.

Away from the noise of the city!
The routine that the academy follows is very structured and disciplined. They conduct multiple chess sessions, fitness activities, meditation and self-study time.
A 10-minute meditation before starting the chess session.
What a training session looks like at the Hatsun Chess Academy.
Last year, Sagar Shah visited this academy and covered in detail what this academy has to offer. You can read his full report here. To sum it up, the academy focuses on mental conditioning and high-level chess training.
Sagar Shah with the students of the Hatsun Chess Academy
Sagar Shah takes you on a tour of the Hatsun Chess Academy. | Video: ChessBase India
GM Vishnu Prasanna talks about what Hatsun Chess Academy means to him. | Video: ChessBase India
This residential chess academy is growing fast and has already become a home for many talented players. Have a look at some of their achievements:
Marium Fatima |
49e Open Internacional d’Escacs Vila de Sitges Grup B Tournament |
2025 |
2nd |
Marium Fatima |
47th Open Internacional Escacs Barbera del Valles 2025 Group B |
2025 |
1st |
Jaidambareesh N R |
37th Open Pula Tournament (Below 2000 Category) |
2025 |
2nd |
Rohith S |
37th Open Pula Tournament (Below 2200 Category) |
2025 |
1st |
Raghav V |
37th Open Pula Tournament (U-20 Category) |
2025 |
3rd |
Jaidambareesh N R |
Grand Hotel Kielce Chess Open Blitz Tournament |
2025 |
2nd |
Raghav V |
Grand Hotel Kielce Chess Open Blitz Tournament |
2025 |
3rd |
Nandish V S |
Grand Hotel Kielce Chess Open Chess 960 Tournament |
2025 |
3rd |
Kumaresh A |
Paris Masters Championship |
2025 |
2nd |
Darshan G |
Dole Open Tournament (Below 2200 Category) |
2025 |
1st |
Raghav V |
18th Marsaille International Chess Festival |
2025 |
2nd |
Sharvaanica A S |
World Cadets Rapid Girls U-10 Championship |
2024 |
1st |
Raghav V |
36th U-13 National Open Chess Championship |
2023 |
3rd |
Sriya |
A-max State Level Chess Tournament (Girls Category) |
2023 |
1st |
Pavithra |
State Level Chess Tournament |
2023 |
1st |
Sai Kuchibhotla |
South Zone-1, Team Tournament (U-17 Category) |
2023 |
1st |
Akil Sethu G |
Tuticorin State Chess Tournament (U-9 Category) |
2023 |
1st |
You can explore many more achievements of the players in the Hatsun Academy Newsletter and Hatsun Chess Magazine.
Interview with the parents at the Hatsun Chess Academy
The dedicated trainers of Hatsun Chess Academy (seated) with their students.
Interview with the trainers at the Hatsun Chess Academy. | Video: ChessBase India
Join the team
As mentioned earlier, the academy is growing very fast, with more and more players enrolling; they are looking for an International Master to join their coaching team.
Job location: Tamil Nadu, India.
Type: Full-time, Onsite (with travel opportunities)
Compensation: Competitive
Responsibilities
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Provide individual and group training sessions tailored to players rated 1600–2400+.
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Support advanced players in tournament preparation—including opening repertoire building, strategy refinement, and psychological readiness.
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Analyze and review games using modern and internal tools of the academy
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Mentor players during training camps and accompany them to tournaments when required.
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Work closely with their team of GMs and coaches to create structured training plans.
Requirements
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International Master (IM) title (FIDE).
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Strong playing and training background with proven results.
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Passion for coaching and mentoring young players.
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Ability to communicate effectively in English (Tamil/Hindi is a plus).
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Willingness to travel with students for national and international tournaments.
What will they offer
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A highly competitive salary of ₹2,00,000 per month
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The opportunity to work with some of India’s most ambitious young players
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A chance to collaborate with Grandmasters, IMs, and top professionals in a dynamic and professional training environment
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A platform to mentor, guide, and inspire the next generation of chess talent
How you can apply
If you are interested and if you have a passion for coaching to shape the future of Indian chess, this might be the opportunity you have been waiting for. You need to fill out this Google form to apply. In this, you will have to send your CV, FIDE profile, and a short note on your coaching philosophy.
Important links
Hatsun Chess Academy Instagram Page