Grandmaster Maurice Ashley visits Tangerang Selatan to inspire young chess players

American Grandmaster Maurice Ashley visited Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia, to participate in the ‘Chess for the Next Generation’ event. The initiative, organized by local chess communities and Percasi Banten, aimed to inspire young athletes through discussions, exhibition matches, and life lessons derived from the game.

During the visit, Ashley engaged in a friendly match against Banten Vice Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah. Following the match, the Vice Governor praised Ashley’s strategic ability to attack and defend under pressure. The Banten provincial government expressed interest in inviting Ashley back to provide intensive training for local athletes, particularly youth.

Ashley noted the significant potential among local players, specifically observing matches in the Under-17 category. He emphasized that chess serves as a tool for developing discipline, focus, and decision-making skills, noting that ‘chess teaches us to stop, think, analyze the situation, and understand that every decision has consequences.’