Young Chess Prodigy: Kayal Vijay Crowned European U9 Girls Champion at Just 9 Years Old!
Young Chess Prodigy Crowned European Schools Champion at Just 9
Bishop’s Stortford, UK — In a remarkable display of talent and determination, 9-year-old Kayal Vijay has been crowned the European Schools Champion in the U9 girls category after an impressive performance in Croatia, where she scored an outstanding 8 out of 9 points. This young chess enthusiast, who attends Avanti Meadows Primary School, has only been playing the game for two years but has already made a significant mark on the international chess scene.
“I am super happy for winning the European Schools Championship,” Kayal exclaimed. “I won 8 out of 9 and won 7 games in a row. I made friends from different countries. I really enjoyed playing in the tournament.”
Kayal’s journey into the world of chess began at the tender age of 7, sparked by her exceptional ability to recognize patterns—a skill she showcased even before picking up the chess pieces. Her parents, Savitha and Vijay, introduced her to the game, and she quickly fell in love with its complexities. In just a short time, she climbed the ranks, becoming the number-one player in her age group according to the English Chess Federation.
Her parents expressed their pride, stating, “We are very happy and incredibly proud of Kayal. Many months of consistent hard work, dedication, and resilience have helped her to achieve this well-deserved milestone. We wish her continued success in the future!”
A Rising Star
Kayal’s chess journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She won her first trophy in November 2024 at a starter tournament organized by She Plays To Win, a charitable initiative aimed at encouraging girls to engage with chess. With the support of local clubs and her coach, Paul Kemp from the Anglican Learning Chess Academy, Kayal honed her skills and began to dominate tournaments.
In 2025, she made her mark in national competitions, winning the under-8 Girls Champion title at both the EJCOA National Championship and the British Junior Chess Championship. Her recent participation in the English Youth Chess Championship saw her finishing joint first in the under-10 girls category, showcasing her rapid ascent in the chess world.
Going Global
Kayal’s talent has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. She began representing England in world and continental events in the under-8 girls category in 2025, competing in prestigious tournaments such as the World Rapid & Blitz Championship in Greece and the European Youth Chess Championship in Montenegro. However, her crowning achievement thus far remains her victory in Croatia.
Her parents expressed gratitude to the English Chess Federation for the opportunity to represent England and thanked everyone who has supported Kayal on her journey.
As Kayal continues to break barriers and set new records, the chess community eagerly anticipates her future endeavors. With her passion and dedication, there’s no telling how far this young champion will go.