The International Quizzing Association (IQA) introduced its Asian leg of operation in a press meeting chaired by Loknath Behera, retired IPS officer and former Director General of Police (DGP) of Kerala, on Thursday. The London-based organisation, as part of its plan to bring the formal quizzing sport into Asian countries, announced its IQA chapters for the state's 14 districts.
Kerala was chosen as the launch pad for this operation because of its impressive achievements in the field of education, health, and gender equality and also for its high literacy rate. In a statement released on Thursday, Jane Allen, managing director of IQA, said: “Kerala as we know is a model state in India primarily because of its impetus and quality of living of its citizens. Kerala has set a precedent for a skill development space in tandem with connecting equal opportunities and has made significant progress in the areas of education, public health, and a strong social matrix including the lowest gender gap in the literacy race.”
She further said: “As the most literate state in the country and excelling in various human development indicators Kerala has rightly shown its ambition to develop an erudite and cognition mass. It is the same objective that aligns with the IQA. Hence, we believe that there is no state in India that can become a better platform for the official launch of this grand event.”
Students can register via the IQA’s portal, all registered students will be recognised as international quiz players affiliated with IQA Asia. The IQA registration number which will be assigned after registration will act as proof of their identity and enable them to participate in official events. The chapters in each district will be headed by their respective district collectors. The initial chapter will focus on school students and related clubs from grade five and above.
Behera, an avid quizzer, emphasised the need for quizzing among school children. He mentioned that there are plans to bring in civil servants to act as mentors and guides as well.
The initial plan for the IQA’s activities includes conducting quiz competitions in schools and districts. After selecting winners from each district championship, the 14 districts will be divided into 14 teams and once a year a state champion will be selected from among them. The winners will then be eligible to participate in international competitions. According to the former DGP of the state, this is a move to curb teenage suicide rates by encouraging and promoting an intellectual outlet.
Growing up as a technology-dependent generation, this activity will be a relief for teenagers who do not like things that involve physical exertion but prefer a mental jog instead. The association aims to bring form, structure, and standard to the game by creating an umbrella group for all quiz-related activities. Every June, the IQA conducts a world quiz championship. This year it is scheduled to be held on June 3.
