At just 10 years old, Egyptian Abdalrahman Sameh Mohamed is not just another boy with big dreams; he is redefining what is possible on the chessboard.
With a gaze as sharp as his strategic mind, Abdalrahman is taking the chess world by storm, one calculated move at a time. Imagine facing a room full of seasoned adult players in a high-stakes tournament and emerging victorious.
For most, it would be a daunting task, but for this young Egyptian, it was just another step toward his ultimate goal: becoming a world champion.
In July, Abdalrahman etched his name in history by winning the Egyptian National Open Chess Championship, a feat that has left the chess community in awe. He did not just participate—he dominated, securing 10 victories and one draw against some of the country’s top players.
This unprecedented achievement came just weeks after his triumph at the African Youth Championship, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the chess world.
“In chess, I want to become the world champion in the future. As for my studies, I aspire to be a doctor,” Abdalrahman shared during an unofficial tournament at Cairo International Stadium. His statement, simple yet profound, reveals the dual ambition of a young mind already set on conquering both the chessboard and academia.
Abdalrahman’s journey into chess began only two years ago, when his father introduced him to the game to steer him away from a growing obsession with mobile games.
What started as a casual pastime quickly revealed a prodigious talent. “I realized his talent when he started beating me,” his father, Sameh Mohamed, recalled. “That’s when I knew he was gifted, being able to defeat an older player and even his coach.”
To nurture his son’s burgeoning talent, Sameh Mohamed set up online chess accounts, allowing Abdalrahman to compete against players from around the globe. The exposure to diverse styles and strategies only fueled his passion, honing his skills at an astonishing rate.
“His passion for the game and dedication have rapidly improved his skills, giving us hope and ambition for even greater accomplishments,” his father noted.
Before this year, Abdalrahman Mohamed was relatively unknown in the chess community. But his recent victories have catapulted him into the limelight, earning him recognition as a potential future world champion.
Egyptian Grandmaster (GM) Bassem Amin, ranked 63rd globally by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), described Abdalrahman’s feat as “a miraculous accomplishment.”
Amin emphasized the urgency of nurturing such a rare talent, stressing that each day without proper support is a lost opportunity. “He needs to train with distinguished international masters,” Amin urged, calling on sponsors and the Ministry of Sports to back the young prodigy.
The Egyptian Chess Federation is well aware of Abdalrahman’s potential. GM Ahmed Adly, head of the interim committee managing the federation, assured that they are committed to providing the necessary support to foster his talent.
“Since Abdalrahman emerged, we’ve seen great potential in him, and we are doing everything we can to support him,” said Adly, a former world junior champion himself.
He further explained that a comprehensive preparation plan has been developed for Abdalrahman, who is scheduled to compete in six international and regional championships later this year.
Abdalrahman’s meteoric rise has sparked excitement and hope within the Egyptian chess community. His achievements are not just victories for him alone; they represent a promising future for Egyptian chess on the global stage.
As Abdalrahman continues to climb the ranks, his story serves as an inspiring reminder that with talent, dedication, and the right support, even the loftiest dreams are within reach. For Abdalrahman, the future is a chessboard, and he is already making all the right moves.
Source: Xinhua News
