Chess boxing catching on in India

[Pete]

Chess boxing catching on in India

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25099024

"Chess boxing, a hybrid sport combining the mental workout of chess with the physical challenge of boxing, is catching on in India, reports Shamik Bag.

Wearing boxing wraps around their palms and seated on a bench inside a gym in the eastern Indian city of Calcutta, two players match moves while huddled over a chessboard......"

Hm, let me think on this a bit.

[Debo]

Fucking Brilliant. Can you imagine if our young future commanders had to participate in a class like this growing up or as part of their military education?


I like it.

D.

[echoes]

"Mathur trains at the south Calcutta gym owned by Das. The same address also doubles as the India headquarters of the game, where young hopefuls like 22-year-old Mousumi Bar, silver medallist in the women's category in the first national tournament, practice their punch and marshal their minds.

She became a kick boxer against the wishes of her parents so chess boxing has been a happy compromise for all involved.

"My parents are happy that it isn't an all-out combat game," says Bar. "As a kick boxer, they would worry that an injury might hamper my marriage prospects."

About 30% of registered chess boxers in India are women, informs Das."


Very cool indeed! Teaching young women to use their muscle and their mind is a fantastic idea!

Holly