Chess Prodigy Shares Details of Her Victory Over Sindh Chief Minister

RACHI: Following her impressive victory against Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Pakistan’s chess prodigy Mehak Maqbool revealed intriguing details about their friendly yet competitive match. Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan,” the young chess champion said, “He [Sindh CM] gave me a tough time, and he plays really well.” Mehak expressed immense joy and affirmed her pride when the chief minister invited her for the chess match, responding to questions about whether she felt intimidated playing against such an influential political figure. She also highlighted the chief minister’s notable chess skills. “He [Sindh CM] started with the queen’s gambit; he played the white pieces, and I played the black,” she explained. She added, “The queen’s gambit is a very strong opening in chess, which clearly indicates that he [Sindh CM] is a very good player.” The young chess player praised the chief minister’s playing style and expressed her pride in having the opportunity to play a game with him. Furthermore, Mehak shared that she practices chess daily, studies chess books, and aspires to achieve the title of chess grandmaster. She also emphasized that chess helps children reduce their screen time and that children who play chess tend to excel in mathematics. “I am set to play internationally in Tajikistan. I will participate in the Youth International Championship,” she added. It is worth noting that Mehak, a student at SMB Fatima Jinnah School, which is operated by Shehzad Roy’s Zindagi Trust, recently won the Under-18 title to become Pakistan’s junior chess champion. Mehak also won the National Youth Chess Championship (NYCC) 2025, organized by the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) and Karpov Chess Club (KCC). Earlier on Saturday, Mehak checkmated the provincial chief executive in just 15 moves, surprising the nation. The CM had invited Mehak, the Under-18 national junior chess champion, to the match to acknowledge her achievement. Furthermore, Sindh CM Shah congratulated the Under-18 national chess champion on her accomplishment, according to the provincial chief executive’s spokesperson.