Sehba Shah of Pakistan receives the champion’s trophy in the Mian Sultan Khan 8th Women National Chess Championship held 29 June to 5 July 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Standing at center is Chess Federation of Pakistan president Hanif Qureshi. Seeded 23rd, Sehba Shah finished with 6.5 points in the 7 round Swiss System. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
By WNMNoorFatima Rashid
Sehba Shah’s remarkable journey from overcoming physical limitations to becoming Pakistan’s Women’s National Chess Champion inspires a new generation. Her victory exemplifies resilience, talent, and the power of inclusivity in sports. Sehba Shah defied all odds to become Pakistan’s National Women’s Champion in the Mir Sultan 8th Women’s National Chess Championship, making her the first specially-abled person to win the title. She triumphed in the championship as one of the eldest competitors of her cohorts, setting numerous exemplary standards.
In her debut at the national level, she defeated both emerging talents and seasoned players, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. Rightfully earning a spot on the national team, she will represent Pakistan in the 45th International Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September in Hungary. If all goes as planned, she will play on Board 1 for the Pakistan Women’s team.
Unable to move her hands, she calmly instructed her assistant, who then made the moves on her board and pressed her clock. While her pieces, guided by her strategic brilliance, created chaos on board for her opponents, she sat serenely in her wheelchair, cool as a cucumber. Her opponents struggled to find responses to equalize the game, clearly challenged by her formidable play.
One of her opponents, Fareeha Siddique, remarked, “She has the most accurate and solid playing style out of all the women I have played with.” In the first round, Sehba faced the chess prodigy Ayat Asmi, a symbolic clash between the youngest and the oldest participants. Despite Ayat’s valiant efforts, she couldn’t sustain her position and was eventually checkmated.
Sehba Shah’s success didn’t end there; she went on to defeat the five-time national champion Zenobia Wasif and held the defending champion Mehak Gul to a draw in her final round.
Sehba’s journey to this unprecedented achievement was anything but easy. Born with a congenital condition that left her paralyzed from the neck down, she never allowed her disability to define her or limit her aspirations. She was introduced to chess in 1975 by her cousin, who taught her and her brother the basic movements of the pieces.
The 1972 Fischer-Spassky match increased her fascination for the game leading her to connect with a coach in India, Mr Vidya Bhushan Sharma, during the 1980s. He refined her game and helped build her strategic capacity
without charging her any fee. Chess, with its universal language and borderless appeal, became Sehba’s sanctuary and battlefield.
Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of inclusivity in sports. Despite her skills, Sehba was never invited to Nationals before the current federation took over. Previous championship of 2022 was held in Gilgit, a location she couldn’t access due to travel restrictions. However, with the full support of her family and the federation, Sehba seized her opportunity this year, crediting them for her unstoppable performance and ultimate victory.
“I did not come with the mind to win the Nationals,” she said. “I initially decided to play my natural game and enjoy the tournament to the fullest, treating it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, as the tournament progressed, I began to realize that I could make a significant impact. When I defeated the five-time national champion Zenobia, I knew there was no turning back and that I had a real shot at becoming the national champion. Ultimately, I clinched the title with one round to spare.”
During the closing ceremony, she was welcomed with thunderous applause as everyone rose to their feet to give her a standing ovation when she received her medal. Sehba utilized advanced computer software throughout her training to study and practice chess. She developed her unique style of play, characterized by aggressive tactics and deep strategic understanding. Her ability to visualize complex positions and anticipate her opponent’s moves
has earned her a reputation as a dominant competitor on the national chess scene.
The President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan, Hanif Qureshi, expressed his pride, stating “We are committed to promoting an inclusive chess environment. Earlier this year, we organized a tournament for visually impaired chess players, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity. Sehba Shah’s victory is a significant milestone for us and a testament to our efforts. She is an extraordinary player, and it is an absolute delight to have her lead our women’s team in the upcoming Olympiad. She has the full support of the federation.”
Sehba’s victory has not only elevated her status in the chess community but also inspired many others. Her achievement challenges stereotypes and proves that talent and hard work can overcome physical limitations.
She has become a role model for aspiring chess players, especially younger players or those with special abilities, demonstrating that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
Sehba Shah herself shared a powerful message: “Pakistan has immense potential in chess, with a wealth of young talent emerging. Ayat Asmi exemplifies this, playing a remarkably mature game despite her young age. I especially encourage parents of children with special abilities to help them discover and nurture their talents, enabling them to excel in their chosen fields. Disability should never be a barrier to achievement.”
In the days leading up to the Chess Olympiad, Sehba remains focused and disciplined. Her training regimen includes daily practice sessions, strategic planning with her coach, and mental preparation to handle the pressure of representing her country internationally. She has submitted her passport for renewal, along with those of her helpers, determined to perform her best and bring a title home for Pakistan.
Sehba Shah’s story is not just about winning a championship but about breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and inspiring a generation. The supportive women’s chess community has always accommodated her unique needs and encouraged her to bring her best. Her journey continues to unfold, promising more achievements and setting new standards for excellence in the world of chess.
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