Praful Zaveri
Praful Zaveri is the founder of Indian Chess School. In a highly decorated career spanning over three decades, he has trained more than 5,000 students, empowered 100+ trainers to teach chess, and introduced chess in more than 10 schools across Mumbai.
His experience and expertise cover coaching, conducting seminars, organizing tournaments, officiating as an arbiter, and writing chess books, among a myriad of other facets of the game.
Swayam Ubale
Swayam serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director – Events & Digital Transformation at Indian Chess School, providing strategic leadership across operations, technology, and event management. A former student of Praful Zaveri Sir, Founder of Indian Chess School, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from student to leader within the organization. With over three years of experience as a dedicated chess educator, he has mentored students of all ages and skill levels, nurturing competitive excellence while instilling a lifelong passion for the game.
He leads the planning and execution of prestigious chess events, spearheads digital transformation initiatives, and drives innovation to enhance organizational efficiency and strengthen the institution's digital presence. Through a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to excellence, he continues to elevate the learning experience and contribute to the sustained growth of Indian Chess School.
Passionate about advancing chess education, Swayam is committed to developing young talent, creating world-class learning opportunities, and fostering an environment where discipline, critical thinking, and excellence thrive. Inspired by the vision and mentorship of Praful Zaveri Sir, he remains dedicated to expanding the reach of quality chess education while further strengthening Indian Chess School's position as a leading institution in chess coaching, events, and innovation.
Prisha Kapadia
Prisha serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director – Chess-in-School & E-Learning at Indian Chess School, where she provides strategic leadership in operational management, educational outreach, and the development of innovative learning solutions. A former student of Praful Zaveri Sir, Founder of Indian Chess School, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her journey from learner to leader. With over two years of experience as a chess educator, she has mentored students across different age groups and skill levels, fostering analytical thinking, confidence, and a lifelong passion for the game.
She oversees the implementation of the Chess-in-School programme, collaborating with educational institutions to promote chess as a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, creativity, discipline, and problem-solving skills among students. In addition, she leads the organization's e-learning initiatives, driving the development of engaging digital learning experiences that make high-quality chess education accessible to learners across diverse geographies.
Through her commitment to operational excellence, educational innovation, and student development, Prisha plays a pivotal role in advancing Indian Chess School's mission of transforming lives through chess while contributing to its continued growth and vision as a leading institution in chess education.
Babli Gupta
Babli Gupta serves as the Chief Administrative & Finance Officer at Indian Chess School, where she oversees the organization's administrative operations and financial management. She plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations by managing accounts, financial planning, payment processes, budgeting, and administrative systems with precision and integrity.
With a strong commitment to operational excellence, she is responsible for maintaining financial discipline, streamlining administrative workflows, and supporting the organization's strategic initiatives through effective resource management. Her meticulous approach and dedication ensure that Indian Chess School continues to operate with efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
As a key member of the leadership team, Babli Gupta contributes significantly to the institution's sustained growth by strengthening its financial and administrative foundation, enabling Indian Chess School to remain focused on its mission of delivering excellence in chess education and development.
Kailas Patil
Kailas Patil serves as the Manager – Operations & Sales at Indian Chess School, where he plays a key role in ensuring the seamless execution of the organization's day-to-day operations. He oversees the coordination and timely fulfillment of orders, ensuring that every request is efficiently assigned to the appropriate team member and completed with accuracy and professionalism.
In addition to managing operational workflows, he leads the organization's sales coordination, building strong relationships with clients and ensuring a smooth experience from enquiry to delivery. His proactive approach, organizational expertise, and commitment to excellence contribute significantly to maintaining operational efficiency and delivering high-quality service.
As an integral member of the Indian Chess School team, Kailas is dedicated to supporting the institution's mission by ensuring that its operations and customer service consistently reflect the highest standards of reliability, efficiency, and professionalism.