Fifteen-year-old chess prodigy Shreeya Mahadeo has earned a place to represent South Africa at the 2025 Commonwealth Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 8–17 November but a lack of funding could keep her from competing on the world stage.
The Malvern, Queensburgh learner, already crowned Junior Female Player of the Year at the inaugural KZN Chess Awards and holder of the Woman Regional Master title, is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top female players in her age group. Her family has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R80 190 for flights, accommodation, entry fees and related expenses.
Shreeya began playing chess in 2018 and has since become a multiple provincial and national titleholder. Her parents describe the journey as a family commitment, with weekends spent at tournaments and countless hours of practice. Beyond trophies, they say, her story is about dedication, grit and compassion — she regularly uses her talent to raise awareness for causes such as Parkinson’s South Africa and to inspire young female players locally.
Shreeya herself says her success comes down to mindset: “My hard work, dedication and consistency are the driving force behind my success. Your biggest fear and opponent will always be looking back at you in the mirror.”
Away from the chessboard, Shreeya is a Grade 10 learner who participates in Marimba, Art and Film Club, Photography Club, Entrepreneur Club, Culture Kudos and Squash, and gives her time to Paw Prints Rescue and Rehoming, the ‘Pass the Panties’ campaign, Highway Hospice and Anchor of Hope. She also excels at SMART Mental Arithmetic, where she has been a regional, national and international champion.
Earlier this year, Shreeya qualified for both the World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championships in Greece and the African Schools Championships in Kenya but could not attend because of funding constraints. “Representing South Africa means standing on the world stage and saying that our players — especially young women — are a force to be reckoned with,” she says. “I want to raise the flag high for my family, school and community — and make them proud.”
Her mother, Sash, will travel with her as guardian and support system, while her father, Sebastian, will continue cheering from home. “Every cent raised tells her that her dreams are possible and that the community is behind her,” he says.
The family needs R80 190 to cover all costs to the Commonwealth Chess Championship. To support Shreeya Mahadeo’s journey to Malaysia, visit her BackaBuddy campaign page: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/commonwealth-chess-shreeyas-journey-to-malaysia
