Chess star Shreeya Mahadeo is making all the right moves

The KwaZulu-Natal teenager has already earned top regional titles and now aims to compete on the international stage at the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur

- By Yanga Sibembe

Durban-based Shreeya Mahadeo (15) began her competitive journey with chess at the age of seven. Since then, she has grown exponentially in the sport, to the point where she is ready to represent South Africa on the global stage.

"My dad used to play chess in primary school and taught me the basics. Within a year my dad couldn't beat me," Shreeya told Daily Maverick.

Shreeya's parents, Sebastian and Sash Mahadeo, couldn't be prouder of their only child. This year alone, her growth in the sport has been remarkable. Shreeya has reached extraordinary milestones earning the Woman Regional Master title in June before being crowned Junior Female Player of the Year at the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Chess Awards in August.

Now the Grade 10 Durban Girls' College pupil has her sights set on flying the South African flag at the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 8 to 17 November.

"Shreeya always had a curiosity and affinity for puzzles, art and problem-solving. She started playing chess competitively at the age of seven and is one of the best players currently in her age group in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa," said dad Sebastian.

"We've had the privilege of watching her grow from a seven-year-old ballerina picking up a chess pawn for the first time to becoming a Chess SA Woman Regional Master and one of KZN's top female players in her age group," he added.