By: Richard L. Smith
Two talented eighth graders from Pond Road Middle School in Robbinsville, Vihaan Saxena and Aaryan Mummidi, recently made their mark at the 2024 National K-12 Chess Championship in National Harbor, Maryland.
Competing against some of the best young minds in the country, the duo demonstrated their strategic prowess, securing an impressive ninth-place finish in the eighth-grade team division—despite being outnumbered by teams with up to 10 players. 
The championship, part of the prestigious "Junior Grand Prix" tournament series, ranked teams based on cumulative points earned through individual matches.
While many teams relied on strength in numbers, Vihaan and Aaryan excelled, with the highest point average per team member in their division. Individually, Aaryan placed 12th and Vihaan 14th out of 184 competitors, a remarkable feat that showcased their dedication and skill.
A Passion for Chess and Learning
For Aaryan, chess has been a passion since the age of five. Now one of the top five players in New Jersey for his age group and ranked among the top 75 in the nation by the U.S. Chess Federation, he embraces the game’s intellectual challenges.
“I love chess because it really is a game for everyone,” Aaryan said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your background is—if you practice and put in the effort, you can succeed.”
Beyond the chessboard, Aaryan enjoys cricket, solving logic puzzles, and tackling complex math problems, always pushing himself to think critically.
Vihaan, who started playing chess at six, shares a similar passion for the game. Also ranked in the top five in New Jersey and among the top 50 nationwide, he finds excitement in both the competition and the skills the game teaches.
“I’m really happy that more and more kids my age are becoming interested in chess,” Vihaan said. “It’s taught me so many life skills and has given me the chance to travel to some amazing places to compete.”
When he’s not studying chess strategies, Vihaan enjoys playing tennis, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with his family and dog.
A Community Proud of Its Young Scholars
Their achievements have not gone unnoticed in the Robbinsville school community. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Pizzo emphasized the value of extracurricular activities like chess in shaping young minds.
“Extracurricular activities like chess are an exceptional way for students to grow, socialize, and hone valuable traits like hard work and critical thinking,” Dr. Pizzo said.
“I’m pleased to see the competitive success of Aaryan and Vihaan and am looking forward to seeing their future accomplishments in chess, school, and life.” 
Their success at the national level is a source of pride not only for their school but also for the broader Robbinsville community. It inspires other young students to explore the game of chess and the many skills it fosters.