The Nick Wick Memorial Inter-School Chess Championship was held for the first time this year, from 22 to 23 August 2026. The tournament was organised by NAG / Niten Memorial School.

The tournament was open to students of different ages and grade levels and was divided into eight categories: girls and boys in grades 1–3, 4–6, 7–8 and 9–10. Seven rounds of rapid chess were played using the Swiss system, with a time control of 15 minutes plus 10 seconds per move.

Chess helps children develop important cognitive and personal skills. It strengthens concentration, logical and strategic thinking, as well as the ability to plan ahead and make decisions. At the same time, children learn to be patient, take responsibility for their decisions, and deal constructively with mistakes and defeats. Chess also promotes self-confidence, fairness and social skills. As it requires very little infrastructure and can be played largely regardless of background, language or physical ability, chess is a particularly accessible and inclusive educational and recreational activity. Chess also has an established place at NAG: it brings children together, creates shared experiences and is therefore actively encouraged.

Nick Wick was the father of Nicole Thakuri-Wick and was closely involved in the development of NAG from the very beginning. He was an important source of support and a trusted companion to Nicole in her work in Nepal. He passed away far too soon in 2011. The Nick Wick Memorial Inter-School Chess Championship honours his memory and his close connection to NAG.