National Chess star turns to crowdfunding for funds to compete at Commonwealth Games

Durban teenager Shreeya Mahadeo started playing chess at the age of seven, and eight years later she's racked up an impressive set of titles.

In June this year, the 15-year-old added a National Chess SA title to her belt as Woman Regional Master.

She's also earned the opportunity of a lifetime to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Chess Championship taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November.

After she missed out on representing her country at other international events due to funding constraints, Shreeya's parents launched a BackaBuddy campaign to get her to Malaysia.

She's very excited and humbled that she's able to have this opportunity, says the young chess prodigy.

"And especially with the progress that we've made on BackaBuddy, I feel more motivated and hopeful that I'll be able to make this journey."

The Commonwealth Champs take place from 8-17 November and by Sunday 12 October, the campaign had reached just over R36 000 towards the R80 000 goal, with 19 days left to make up the full amount.

Talking about her love for chess, Shreeya shares that it's both the strategy involved and facing up to an opponent that got her hooked on the game.

She feels that the strategic thinking helps her in all aspects of her life, the mature teenager says.

"Also, facing my opponent makes me feel much stronger in the sense that I'll be able to overcome any obstacles where I can compare the chess game to life as well."

Any contribution, no matter how small, would be deeply appreciated and would help Shreeya to proudly represent our country, say the BackaBuddy campaign organisers.

Click here if you're able to donate and help this talented teenager realise her dream.

To listen to Shreeya Mahadeo in conversation with Graeme Raubenheimer on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: