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Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
11-year-old Glasgow girl wins national chess championship
Anika Munshi was crowned the 2025 Scottish Girls Chess Champion following her performance at the competition held in Motherwell last month. She secured the championship with a score of five wins out of six games and the highest tie-break points. Read more: Glasgow Science Centre launches 'extensive' summer programme - here's what's on Anika said: "I'm really proud. "I started playing in 2021 and was pretty far down the leaderboard at first, but I slowly worked my way up. "This was my last chance to win in the primary category, so I was really happy to finish on a high." Anika developed a passion for chess before she could even read, inspired by watching her older brother Aryan - a fellow chess talent who has competed at national and professional levels. She said: "When I was a baby, my parents used to take me in the pram to my brother's tournaments. "By the time I was two and a half, I knew the names of all the pieces. Though her older brother has already established his name in the chess world, Anika credits him as a mentor and motivator in her chess journey, rather than a competitor. She said: "My brother started properly teaching me when I was five." "He set a high standard, but I think I'll catch up to him. 'When I was younger, I used to watch my brother learn chess online through various apps and attend chess clubs. "I'm glad he's there – he was my first teacher, and kind of a stepping stone into this amazing game." She also credited Lenzie Chess Academy and coach Harry Marron for encouraging her growth as a player. Anika's skills were sharpened further during lockdowns, when she played extensively on online platforms like and entering her first graded event at just six years old. Lockdowns gave her extra time to play online, using platforms like and with the prodigy playing her first graded event at just six years old. Reflecting on the wider impact of chess, the Kelvinside Academy pupil said: "It's a strategic game, you have to think logically and plan ahead. "It helps me think through decisions in real life too, like calculating all the possible outcomes before I act. "And it teaches you manners, like shaking hands with your opponent, no matter their age. "There are so many rules: not just for the game, but for how to behave.' The precocious young player is also passionate about promoting girls in chess, a game where only about 11 per cent of players are female, according to the International Chess Federation. Read more: Glasgow restaurant launches chess club with pakora and pint deal Anika said: "I'm really proud to be a girl in chess. "I think more girls should play, but some don't even try because they think it's boring or takes too long. 'But I think girls are actually really good at it – we're focused, we remember things, we can spot patterns quickly. 'If more schools like my school had clubs and activities, and if girls encouraged their friends to join, I think more would give it a go. 'Not only should girls be encouraged to play chess – everyone should. 'It should be part of every school's curriculum. "Everyone deserves a chance to discover something they might be amazing at.'
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Science Centre reveals new summer holiday programme
The centre has revealed its packed schedule of hands-on exhibits, workshops, and activities, including a new live science show called Super-Human Science. This programme will explore the remarkable ways the human body responds to extreme conditions. Read more: Meet the Glasgow teacher preparing to trek 50km along Great Wall of China Visitors who book their trip in June will benefit from lower day-entry ticket prices, before peak-time rates start in July. The centre promises that no two days will be the same, and invites families to "Go Beyond the Ordinary." Kids can participate in the Sounds Great workshop to understand how ears function, or engage in real-life dissections. They can also solve clues to become DIY detectives, or join activities with healthcare science experts. For those who enjoy films, the centre offers an exclusive T-REX 3D mini blockbuster and big-screen thrills like F1: The Movie in the IMAX cinema. Sci-fi fans can expect to enjoy a special screening of Star Trek (2009) on July 19, which will be followed by a lecture and Q&A with the film's scientist, Dr Erin Macdonald. Visitors can also tour the floating wetlands, partake in immersive musical experiences like Queen Heaven and Dark Side of the Moon in the Planetarium, and ride Scotland's only full-motion flight simulators. Peak-time pricing will be in effect over July and August, but those who book early in June for the summer holidays can take advantage of the early-bird rates. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Giant Kylie Minogue pop-up game coming to Glasgow - here's how to take part Gillian Lang, director of experience development at Glasgow Science Centre, said: "Whether you're watching a dinosaur come to life in 3D, exploring the limits of human endurance, or stargazing to the sounds of Queen, there's something for every visitor this summer at Glasgow Science Centre. "By booking day tickets in advance in June, families can plan ahead and make the most of our extensive summer programme." For more information and to book tickets, you can visit the Glasgow Science Centre website.
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow to host three-day music event for 850th anniversary
Clyde Chorus, which will also celebrate the city's UNESCO City of Music status, is set to take place across multiple venues from May 29 to 31. The festivities start on May 29 with a riverside procession, inviting residents and visitors to take part in a joyful walk along the Clyde. From 4.45pm, there will be performances from Indepen-dance and YDance at the Millennium Square, Pacific Quay (between the BBC and Glasgow Science Centre). The procession, led by the Lord Provost and accompanied by the Govan Community Pipe Band and the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band, will cross Bell's Bridge and finish at the Crowne Plaza. The event is free and open to all. The celebration continues on May 31 at Govan Cross, with various community choirs performing together on an outdoor stage. Running from noon to 6pm, the free event will celebrate collective voices and local musical pride in a day of choral performance. Later that evening, the Glasgow Science Centre's IMAX will host a performance by Glasgow-based audiovisual artist Konx-om-Pax as part of Sonica, Cryptic's biennial festival. The show, titled UAXUCTUM, begins at 7.30pm. Tickets for this event can be purchased online at The Clyde Chorus line-up features artists including Nina Nesbitt at the Pearce Institute and Lucia & The Best Boys at The Savings Bank. The festival also features partnerships with various institutions such as Glasgow Mela, Glasgow Jazz Festival, and Glasgow Gaelic Secondary School. More information about the festival programme and ticket purchasing options is available at
