NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
When most 10-year-olds are still learning multiplication tables, Keya Jha is calculating ten moves ahead on a chessboard — and making history along the way.
Last month, the Delaware, Ohio native became the youngest American girl ever to defeat a Grandmaster in a classical game, toppling GM Bryan Smith at the prestigious 5th Annual Joe Yun Memorial Tournament in Akron. Keya was just 10 years, 9 months, and 2 days old when she clinched the win — a record that has electrified the American chess community and captured the imagination of families across Central Ohio.
But for Keya, the milestone was only part of a bigger victory. She didn’t just score a stunning upset against a Grandmaster; she went on to win the entire tournament, finishing with 4.5/5 points and taking home the $2,000 first-place prize.
A Child Beyond Her Years
Keya’s rise in chess is no accident. She first picked up the game at the age of four and a half, and by seven, she was already competing in tournaments. Today, she is not only a formidable chess competitor but also academically advanced, already in seventh grade while most of her peers are still in elementary school. When she isn’t at the board, she’s sharpening her reflexes with competitive ping pong, a sport she also excels at.
“She has an incredible ability to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations,” said one of her coaches, Jeffrey Barnett, who trains her alongside Grandmaster Dimitry Gordievsky. “That composure is rare in young players — and it’s what gives her an edge against much older, more experienced opponents.”
Part of a Global Shift
Keya’s record-setting feat came on the very same day that 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan in the UK defeated a Grandmaster, making both girls symbols of a new generation of young female talent shaking up a traditionally male-dominated game. With her win, Keya became the second youngest female worldwide to beat a Grandmaster, and the youngest ever in the United States, surpassing the record once held by Carissa Yip.
This parallel moment underscores what many experts have observed: girls are making remarkable strides in chess, not just in participation but at the highest competitive levels.
An Inspiration for the Community
For Central Ohio’s Indian American community — and for immigrant families across the U.S. — Keya’s story resonates deeply. Her discipline, brilliance, and balance between academics and extracurriculars reflect the values many families cherish. More importantly, she represents possibility: that a child with big dreams, the right support, and plenty of determination can stand on equal footing with the very best.
As for Keya, she is already looking ahead. More tournaments, more challenges, and perhaps one day a spot among the world’s elite players. For now, though, she remains what she has always been — a child who loves the game and the thrill of competition.
“I just try to play my best move,” she said in an earlier interview. Simple words from a 10-year-old who has already made her mark in history.
Cover photo courtesy: US Chess Federation/Jha family.
