Mangaluru: Young chess prodigy Sana Omprakash Kayyar, a Mangaluru-origin player representing Uganda, has created history by winning the Gold Medal in the Under-18 Girls category at the African Youth Chess Championship 2025, held from December 7 to 13 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
First Woman International Master from East Africa
With this remarkable victory, Sana earned the prestigious Woman International Master (WIM) title, becoming the first WIM from the East African region. This milestone places her among an elite group of global chess players and marks a defining moment for chess in Uganda and East Africa.
Steady rise through continental championships
Sana’s journey to international recognition has been marked by consistent excellence. In 2022, she won the Silver Medal in the Under-14 Girls category at the African Youth Chess Championship in Zambia, a performance that earned her the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title. That achievement also qualified her to represent Uganda at the World Youth Chess Championship in Romania.
Continuing her upward trajectory, Sana also became the first woman chess player from East Africa to cross a FIDE rating of 1,900, underlining her steady progress and competitive strength on the international circuit.
Sibling success adds to family pride
Adding to the celebrations, Sana’s younger brother Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar delivered an impressive performance at the same championship, winning the Bronze Medal in the Under-16 Open category. Competing against a highly competitive field, Shoubhith finished among the top contenders, highlighting the siblings’ shared dedication and talent.
Training links to Mangaluru chess fraternity
Both Sana and Shoubhith prepared for the championship through a combination of international tournament exposure and structured coaching. During their visits to India, they trained at Derik’s Chess School (DCS), Mangaluru, under the guidance of Deric Pinto, supplemented by occasional online training. This blended approach played a crucial role in sharpening their competitive readiness.
Family support and wider inspiration
The siblings’ achievements have been strongly supported by their parents, Omprakash Kayyar and Saritha Omprakash Kayyar, whose constant encouragement and commitment have been instrumental in nurturing their chess journey.
Sana’s historic WIM title and Shoubhith’s podium finish stand as a proud moment for Ugandan chess, the East African sporting community, and the Mangaluru chess fraternity, inspiring a new generation of aspiring players to pursue excellence on the global stage.