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The Auckland Chess Academy Experience
The Auckland Chess Academy Experience
The Auckland Chess Academy Ltd., was founded by Manoj and Lahiru in 2025 in Orakei to support chess enthusiasts and aspiring chess players, providing more opportunities for the next generation of chess players to learn and grow.
The Auckland Chess Academy Ltd., was founded by Manoj and Lahiru in 2025 in Orakei to support chess enthusiasts and aspiring chess players, providing more opportunities for the next generation of chess players to learn and grow.
We are coaching kids at several schools in West & Central Auckland.
We conducted the NZCF Interschool Chess Championships for Central and West Auckland Regions in 2025 and 2026.
Our Online Chess Coaching Program, launched in 2026, is underway with its second batch.
With Peter Tsai at National Arbiter Training
At the Super Blitz '24 for FIDE 100
Launching ACA with Paul S., & Stuart V.
At the Parnell Village Square
Arbitering at the Women's Championship '25
Your Coaches
Your Coaches
Manoj Asrani
I have been coaching in NZ online and over the board for 5 years. As a coach, my goal is to inspire and guide others on their own chess journeys, helping them build confidence and elevate their game to new heights.
I have been coaching in NZ online and over the board for 5 years. As a coach, my goal is to inspire and guide others on their own chess journeys, helping them build confidence and elevate their game to new heights.
I am a passionate and dedicated chess player with several years of experience in both competitive play and coaching. My father bought me my first chess set. Although he did not know how to play, he encouraged me to learn chess as a “brain building” exercise. Over the years, chess has become more than just a game to me— it has developed my strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. I got my FIDE rating in NZ.
I am a passionate and dedicated chess player with several years of experience in both competitive play and coaching. My father bought me my first chess set. Although he did not know how to play, he encouraged me to learn chess as a “brain building” exercise. Over the years, chess has become more than just a game to me— it has developed my strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. I got my FIDE rating in NZ.
My experience spans from competing in school, college tournaments to local chess competitions, where I have developed an understanding of various playing styles, opening theories, and endgame strategies.
My experience spans from competing in school, college tournaments to local chess competitions, where I have developed an understanding of various playing styles, opening theories, and endgame strategies.
I am desirous to continue competing at higher levels of chess while deepening my knowledge of advanced strategies. It gives me pleasure to announce the founding of the Auckland Chess Academy, to expand my coaching program to mentor and develop future chess leaders, encouraging students to pursue competitive play and contribute to the chess community in meaningful ways.
I am desirous to continue competing at higher levels of chess while deepening my knowledge of advanced strategies. It gives me pleasure to announce the founding of the Auckland Chess Academy, to expand my coaching program to mentor and develop future chess leaders, encouraging students to pursue competitive play and contribute to the chess community in meaningful ways.
Lahiru Weligamage
➭ FIDE-accredited NZ National Arbiter with 10+ FIDE-rated events
➭ Arbiter - NZ Women's Chess Championship in 2024, 2025 & 2026
➭ Arbiter - 132nd NZ Chess Congress 2025 (Junior - Age Group and U1000)
➭ Arbiter - West and Central Auckland Interschools (Secondary, Intermediate, and Primary) in 2025 & 2026
➭ Organiser for FIDE-rated and NZCF-rated Standard, Rapid, and Blitz events
I have been a chess enthusiast from a young age. Playing online chess is part of my daily routine, but I also regularly play over the board at the chess club and in interclubs.
I have been a chess enthusiast from a young age. Playing online chess is part of my daily routine, but I also regularly play over the board at the chess club and in interclubs.
Having captained and represented university and college teams, I bring strong experience in team leadership, coordination, and competitive strategy. Key highlights include:
Having captained and represented university and college teams, I bring strong experience in team leadership, coordination, and competitive strategy. Key highlights include:
➭ University Colours (similar to ~NZ Blues Awards) for Chess in multiple years
➭ 3rd place team - Chess - Inter-University Games 2004, Sri Lanka (Representing University of Kelaniya)
➭ Vice-captain - Chess - University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
➭ Grand Asian Chess Challenge 8/ World Inter-Varsity Chess Championship 2003, Malaysia (Representing University of Kelaniya)
➭ Captain - Chess Club - St. Joseph's College, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mission & Vision
Mission & Vision
We aim to create a community where chess is more than just a game—it's a pathway for instilling continuous improvement in personal growth and achievements.
Our mission is to foster a competitive spirit in each of our students by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to reach their full potential - both on and off the chessboard - and to inspire a lifelong love for the game.
Goals
Goals
Our academy strives to ignite a profound appreciation for the intellectual beauty of chess, helping students to compete in tournaments.
ACA aims to make chess accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience level.
ACA targets to develop the next generation of chess leaders by fostering talented students who can go on to become top-level players, coaches, or mentors.
Principles
Principles
Our method integrates structured learning with individualized coaching to meet distinct learning preferences and requirements.
Strategy for Success:
Every action matters, and every choice is a chance for growth. At Auckland Chess Academy, we teach the significance of both immediate tactics and overarching strategic thinking. This strategy equips students with a mindset capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Mindset of a Champion:
We do not merely teach techniques — we cultivate leaders. Our academy focuses on the importance of mental resilience, concentration, and self-assurance. Students learn to cope with pressure, navigate setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook regardless of the results.
Tailored Coaching:
Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, our coaching is customised to fit your specific needs. We acknowledge that each student learns differently, and our personalised coaching guarantees that everyone can succeed.
Excellence in Competition:
Our academy organises regular internal tournaments, and students also engage in local, regional, and national events. We take pride in assisting students in advancing through the ranks and becoming formidable competitors at the highest levels.
Emphasis on Character Development:
Winning is significant, but character matters just as much. We prioritize teaching students to respect the game and their opponents, promoting humility in success and grace in defeat. At Auckland Chess Academy, we believe that success is a result of strong character and ongoing effort.
Leadership Philosophy
Leadership Philosophy
Embracing the strategic depth of chess, we view leadership as a balance of long-term vision and adaptability. Just as chess players plan several moves ahead, we encourage our students to lead with foresight, prepare for different possibilities, and adjust strategies as needed.
This mindset strengthens the ability to navigate complex challenges and discover creative solutions — both in chess and in life.
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