chessbase india logo

‘Morphy Residential Chess Camp’ is offering you a blend of intense training and holistic activities

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 05/02/2025

Chess-Music-Nature. It may sound like a retreat, but it's actually what the Morphy Chess Academy is offering through their training camp. Their 'Morphy Residential Chess Camp' combines intense chess training with holistic activities. Last year, nine players from different cities came together to train under CM Vinod Bhagwat, a renowned chess coach in Nashik. This year, the camp is scheduled from 20th to 30th April. Check out the article for insights into how the last camp was organized and how you can participate in the upcoming one. Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

Holistic chess learning

In older times, learning was an immersive experience. It wasn’t restricted to classrooms. You might be aware of the traditional Gurukul system in India in which students and teachers lived together and knowledge was passed down through discipline and practice. The same concept was applied by the Morphy Chess Academy in Nashik. In December 2024, they organized a ‘Morphy Residential Chess Camp’ at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. It provided an environment for young prodigies to develop as well-rounded players as well as individuals.

Trainer Vinod Bhagwat with all the nine participants of ‘Morphy Residential Chess Camp’ | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

About Morphy Chess Academy:

The academy was founded in 1996 with the sole vision of promoting chess in Nashik. Over the years, it has nurtured many talents through high-level training programs, tournaments, and simuls. GM Vidit Gujrathi, one of India’s top players today started his competitive chess journey at this academy. Another shining star of this academy is Syed Kadar. He finished in the top 10 at the U-12 World Cup and even defeated Divya Deshkmukh at the Qatar Blitz Event. The academy is committed to shaping the future of Indian chess.

About Morphy Residential Chess Camp

Nine players from different cities participated in this camp from 25th to 30th December 2024. They trained under the expert guidance of Mr. Vinod Bhagwat, a well-known coach in Nashik with a FIDE rating of 2271.

The man behind the successful organization of this event - Vinod Bhagwat | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

Vinod Bhagwat is a FIDE-certified trainer and Candidate Master with over 25 years of playing experience. He has played in many international tournaments and now helps his students gain international acclaim. He has good experience in both online and offline chess training. He founded Morphy Chess Academy in 1996 to nurture and develop chess talents.


The training camp covered everything from high-pressure scenarios to endgame mastery. All participants were separated based on their strengths and the training was customized accordingly. In this way, each player received special attention to address their individual needs.

Serious study session | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

But this camp was not just about sitting in front of a chessboard. In fact, it was more than just chess; it was designed to develop well-rounded individuals. Music and outdoor sports like football and badminton were also a part of this camp. When the players did not feel like playing any sport, they would be playing guitar, harmonium, or drums. Healthy vegetarian meals were available for everyone throughout the camp. The venue was peaceful and surrounded by nature making the experience unforgettable. Overall, this holistic approach made the entire experience both fun and relaxed.

Some participants enjoyed singing a song… | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

… while some enjoyed playing harmonium | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

Morning exercise session… | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

… followed by meditation | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

What’s more beautiful than a sunset? And… | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

What’s more comforting than a campfire? | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

All the participants were given home-made meals | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

When camps like this are organized with a unique approach, they leave a lasting impact. Apart from the participants, their parents also loved this approach! One special moment that truly reflected this was when the former Headmaster of Purushottam English School, Meena Acharya awarded Rs. 10,000 to the participants. She was very impressed by their dedication and wanted to encourage them to keep pushing forward. More than just a cash prize, it was a powerful message for them to keep working hard. 

Time to concentrate again! | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

Players and their parents with the organizers of this camp | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

The entire team went to visit the Mahadev Temple | Photo: Vinod Bhagwat

Which coach wouldn’t feel proud after seeing the hard work of their players? Mr. Vinod Bhagwat was no exception! After the camp, he could not hide his pride and promised that Morphy Chess Academy would continue providing the best opportunities to the players. As one great camp deserves another, he shared the news of another similar camp scheduled from 20th to 30th April 2025. It will be yet another chance for players to improve their skills.


If you are a chess player wanting to improve your skills in a unique, immersive learning environment, this camp is perfect for you! To participate, send an email to morphychessacademy333@gmail.com  or vinodbhagwat081976@gmail.com. You can also contact on this number: 9588630433.

A Glimpse of Morphy Residential Chess Camp

Important links

Morphy Chess Academy Instagram Page


Contact Us