How a Malvern dad is helping his daughter reach the Commonwealth Chess Championship

Sebastian Mahadeo is determined to support his daughter Shreeya compete in the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Malaysia. With creative fundraising efforts, including cake sales and auctions, they aim to overcome financial hurdles and make her dream a reality.

Shreeya, a Grade 10 pupil at Durban Girls College, placed 9th at the South African Junior Closed Chess Over the Table (OTB) Championship 2025 in Cape Town in April.

She is among 10 players who qualified from South Africa in her age category.

Her dad said among their fund-raising initiatives, they hosted cake sales, and would auction a painting to help his daughter get to Kuala Lumpur in time for the competition, which would be held from November 8 to 17.

“Malvern artist, Avindhran Pillay, donated a framed Mahatma Gandhi painting valued at R20 000 to auction and raise-funds. I also won a signed authentic Adidas rugby boot by Siya Kolisi in a framed display plastic box and a signed copy of his book ‘Rise’ in a raffle, which I am willing to sell to raise funds for my daughter."

Like her dad, Shreeya, of Malvern, is also on a fund-raising mission. 

She said competing at local and national level earned her a place on the South African team for several international events along the years. 

“Unfortunately, these tournaments were missed due to a lack of funding and financial constraints. My preparations at the moment include juggling exam studies and chess practice and helping my parents with fundraising. We recently had a breyani sale in our community to raise funds for the flights and accommodation. The fundraising process has been difficult but a learning process," se said.

Shreeya, 15, is a member of the Queensburgh Online Chess Club, a small community chess club that usually plays online during the week.

Her chess journey started at seven-years-old when she was a hopeful ballerina, who picked up a chess pawn for the first time. She went on to become the Chess SA Woman Regional Master and one of KZN’s top female players in her age group.

“I have always had a curiosity and affinity for puzzles, art and problem solving. I started playing chess competitively in 2018 at the age of seven and quickly became one of the best players currently in my age group in KZN and South Africa. I am extremely disciplined and dedicated. I also put in a huge amount of time training and practising. 

“My weekends are set aside for tournaments. I have a vision and goal of representing the country at major international events such as the World Chess Olympiad. In any chess game, it is all about being in the moment and deciding from there. Therefore, you prepare for any outcome... Your biggest fear and opponent will always be looking back at you in the mirror."

Shreeya said chess enhanced her strategic thinking and problem solving, especially in academics.

"It has also enabled me to make new friends with the same interests and goals. It pushes me to go above and beyond what I am capable of. I know that with discipline and consistency, I can reach even greater heights."

When she is off the chessboard, Shreeya enjoys reading, sketching, painting, drawing and playing with her golden retriever Ziggy.

She said her supporters were her parents, who chauffeured her to countless weekend tournaments.

“They are my sounding board after both triumphs and tough losses."

For more information, email Sebastian@terra.group 

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