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We are proud to be

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1st

Institute to offer scientifically
developed curriculum

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1st

in India to start strategic tie-ups and formal training with schools

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1st

Global Online Chess
Training Institute

Upstep Academy has been operational since 2020

And is a global leader in online chess training,
known for its innovative and personalised approach to teaching chess.

Presence in

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India
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USA
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Australia
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Singapore
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UK
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UAE
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CANADA
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NEW ZEALAND
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GERMANY
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NETHERLANDS
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SWITZERLAND
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SWEDEN
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SAUDI ARABIA
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QATAR
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OMAN
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MALAYSIA
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HONG KONG

Our Objective

To reach maximum people, learning chess at an early age. Popularizing its benefits
that one can attain. Irrespectively,if one wishes to pursue it as a career or learn it as a hobby and a life-skill.

Abhijit Hatkar

Visionary Chess Educator | 18+ Years of Experience | Peak FIDE Rating 2053 | FIDE Instructor | FIDE Arbiter

Abhijit Hatkar is the visionary behind Upstep Academy, an online chess academy dedicated to empowering learners – primarily children aged 5 to 15 and then a wider range of all ages – with strategic thinking, focus, and problem-solving skills through the game of chess.

Guided by the belief that chess is a powerful tool to build critical life skills, Abhijit founded Upstep Academy to deliver world-class training, structured programs, and measurable growth pathways to students across the globe.

After establishing strong foundations in coaching, operations, sales, finance, and marketing, Abhijit is now steering the academy towards the future of chess education, with a vision to integrate AI-driven insights and advanced technology to create highly personalized, engaging, and impactful learning experiences. His goal is to build a platform where human expertise and intelligent systems work seamlessly together, setting a new benchmark for online chess education.

With a mission to make high-quality chess education accessible, engaging, and transformative, Abhijit continues to lead Upstep Academy in redefining how chess is taught and learned worldwide.

Pankit Mota

Head – Student Performance Management
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Trupti Sharma

Global Head – New Business & Strategy
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Vinaykumar Tiwari

Head of Operations
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Vishak Nair

Head – Customer Relationship Management
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Shubham Kumthekar

Senior Head – Trainer Management
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Pankit Mota

Head – Student Performance Management
High Performance Coach | 12+ Years of Playing Experience in 15+ countries | Peak FIDE Rating 2148

From BPharma graduate to chess torchbearer, Pankit Mota’s journey is all about passion rewriting destiny. Having represented India across 15+ countries with stellar wins like the Charleroi Cup, he now leads Upstep Academy’s High Performance Division. Guiding 300+ rated players, his protégés shine as World No.1 (U11), Italy No.1 (U12 Girls), India No.1 & World No.2 (U7 Girls) and many more.

Trupti Sharma

Global Head – New Business & Strategy
15+ Years Experience | Sales & Strategy Leader | AI Innovation Enthusiast

Trupti leads Upstep as the Global Head of New Business & Strategy. She has been instrumental in expanding the academy across six countries, designing scalable systems, implementing strong processes, mentoring teams, and driving international growth. Her expertise in business planning, strategy, and execution continues to fuel Upstep’s global success.

Outside of work, she is passionate about yoga and composting, bringing balance and sustainability into her everyday life.

Vinaykumar Tiwari

Head of Operations
13+ Years Driving Growth Across Education, Finance & Business | Global Strategy & Operations Leader

Vinaykumar Tiwari leads global operations at Upstep Academy, overseeing 300+ professionals and serving thousands of students worldwide. He drives growth through automation, scalable systems and process optimization that streamline delivery and empower teams. Skilled in expansion strategy and system design , he builds future-ready operations. He plans to use AI and data to scale sustainably and deliver accessible, high-quality education.

Vishak Nair

Head – Customer Relationship Management
7+ Years of Experience | Computer Science Engineer | Former Chess Coach

With a Computer Science background and over 7 years of professional experience, including 5 years as a chess coach, Vishak blends technical expertise with human insight to lead Customer Relationship Management at Upstep Academy. He drives student retention, parent engagement, referrals, and feedback, building trust-based systems that position the academy as a global benchmark for student and parent experience.

Shubham Kumthekar

Senior Head – Trainer Management
FIDE Instructor | FIDE Rating: 1979 | 13+ Years of Chess Coaching Experience

Leading a team of 200+ coaches, Shubham drives Upstep Academy’s trainer ecosystem. He manages trainer recruitment, performance, and quality enhancement, ensuring top standards. A seasoned chess coach, he blends expertise in training methodologies with people management skills. He believes in empowering individuals through continuous learning, nurturing talent, and fostering collaborative growth, while also building sustainable frameworks.