Ishan Wiratunga

I have been playing chess since the age of 10 and have had two distinct phases in my chess journey:

• Phase 1: From my early years up until university

• Phase 2: Restarting my chess involvement when my son began playing

After a two-decade break from competitive play, I couldn’t resist falling in love with this beautiful game again. Since 2017, I have been actively involved in chess as a player, official, administrator, and coach.

Chess has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world. I’m currently a member of the Auckland Central Chess Club. Our family recently moved to New Zealand, and I bring with me a wealth of chess experience from Asia and Europe.

What Makes Me a Good Coach?

My extensive experience in various roles within the chess community makes me a well-rounded and capable coach.

• I have coached at individual, school, and club levels.

• My background as an Engineer and Project Manager supports my ability to deliver structured, analytical, and strategic coaching.

• I aim to inspire and guide players of all levels with both credibility and compassion.

Key Strengths

• Experience: Decades of involvement in chess as a player, coach, and administrator

• Versatility: Ability to coach at different levels and adapt to diverse learning styles; experience with players from many national backgrounds

• Achievements:

  • Former National No. 7 in Sri Lanka

  • College, university, and club-level champion in Sri Lanka

  • Club Champion in the UK (Maidenhead Chess Club, 2024)

• Leadership:

  • Captained teams

  • Organised tournaments

  • Mentored youth players across several stages of development

• Dedication: Lifelong passion for chess, including supporting and training my son, who now surpasses me in rating

Why I Love Chess

As Garry Kasparov once said, "Chess imitates life."
Chess has shaped my personal and intellectual growth. It has challenged me, offered deep strategic insights, and allowed me to build meaningful global connections. It continues to be a central part of my life.

How I Learned to Play

I started playing chess at St. Anthony’s College, Kandy (Sri Lanka) at age 10, where I:

• Represented the school at all levels

• Captained the school team

• Competed at university and national level tournaments

• Played in the UK for Cowley Chess Club and Maidenhead Chess Club, becoming club champion in 2024

Why I Enjoy Working with Kids

Working with children allows me to:

• Share my passion for chess

• Support their personal development

• Offer mentorship, just as I benefited from seniors and peers in my youth

I’ve volunteered extensively with young players and helped train many juniors, especially during my youth. Being the parent of a youth chess Olympian gives me additional perspective on nurturing young talent.

Main Chess Achievements

emoji_events Drew with GM Jon Nunn in a FIDE-rated blitz game (2017)

emoji_events Former Sri Lanka National No. 7 (1998) and Under-15 No. 3 (1988)

emoji_events Coached St. Anthony’s College Junior & Senior teams to become No. 3 in Sri Lanka

emoji_events Developed a player who became Junior National Champion and represented the Asian Juniors in India (1997)

emoji_events Coached Kandy YMCA Chess Team (2018–2022); runners-up in 2019

emoji_events Organised and played in numerous tournaments; won board prizes

emoji_events Assistant Secretary, Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (1997–1999)

emoji_events Member, National Selection Committee (2021–2023)

How Chess Helps Children

Chess offers a wide range of developmental benefits:

1. Cognitive Growth: Enhances reasoning, planning, and logical thinking

2. Discipline: Fosters patience, persistence, and focus

3. Social Skills: Teaches respect, communication, and collaboration

4. Confidence: Builds self-esteem through achievement and challenge

5. Academic Improvement: Encourages analytical and concentration skills that transfer to the classroom