Punjab: Class 8 topper is seven-time national chess player

Punjab: Scoring 100 out of 100 marks in the annual examination is an unfulfilled dream for most students in their school life. But there are very few, almost rare kind of students, who are able to do it with clinical accuracy. Puneet Verma of Shri Harkrishan Public School, Model Town, Hoshiarpur, topped the results of Punjab School Education Board’s Class VIII annual examination by securing 600/600 marks. Navjot Kaur of Sant Mohan Das Memorial Senior Secondary School, Kot Sukhian, Faridkot, also scored (600/600) marks, which is 100 per cent, but did not get the second position due to age difference (June 24, 2010). Her spectacular success proves that clinical accuracy is no longer limited to high-level coaching academies located in cities, but is very much possible even in small towns and remote areas of the state. State topper Punit Verma is not just a bookworm but a seven-time national-level chess player who aims to make it to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Secretly, he aims to become a grandmaster one day, but does not want to reveal his moves too soon. “I have only two interests in life – studies and chess. I was sure I would score at least 599 marks, but I got 600/600. Regular studies throughout the year and strict adherence to the timetable helps you get 100 per cent results. ‘Thoda sa hi zyada padta hun pariksha ke samay’…,” said Punit, who is a die-hard Magnus Carlsen fan. Punit (April 17, 2011) is quite famous not just in academic circles but also among chess enthusiasts. Punit, 15, has played the national chess seven times, said parents Ashok Verma, a civil contractor, and mother Neetu Verma, a homemaker. His brilliant achievements in sports are enough to make any teenager jealous of his sporting achievements. Principal Paramjit Kaur said it was a proud moment for them as two students from the school made it to the merit list this time. Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain lauded Puneet’s achievements. She said, “It is amazing to see Puneet scoring 600/600 marks. It tells a lot about his focus in life. He is good in studies and also good in sports. The administration will soon felicitate him.”