COLUMBUS, Ohio (Diya TV) — A new name is making waves in the chess world, and she’s only 10 years old. Keya Jha, who recently became the youngest girl in American history to earn the title of grandmaster. From chessboards to ping pong tables, she is proving that talent and determination can shine at any age.

Becoming a grandmaster is no small task. It is the highest title awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation. To reach it, players must earn multiple “norms” and achieve a very high rating. The title is rare, and even rarer for someone as young as Keya.

Her achievement comes after years of focus and preparation. During an interview with Good Day Columbus, she explained that her strength lies in calculation. Still, she studies hard with her coach, who is also a grandmaster. “It’s not absolutely easy for me,” she said. “I need to prepare a bunch.”

Jha admitted she was “a bit shocked” at the outcome but took it in stride.

The Central Ohio resident discovered chess during the pandemic. She often sat next to her father as he played online blitz games. Watching those matches sparked her curiosity, and soon she was learning the rules herself. Her father, who also taught her competitive ping pong, became an early influence in her love for games and competition.

Already in the seventh grade, Jha balances her studies with her passion for chess. She emphasized that learning chess starts with the basics. “First, you just learn the rules,” she said. “Also, you should learn from someone who’s already fairly good and is also a good coach.”

Although chess is her first love, Jha’s skills go far beyond the 64 squares. She plays ping pong in tournaments, often training with her father at home. She also holds a black belt in taekwondo, showing her dedication to both mental and physical discipline.

When asked which activity she enjoys most, she didn’t hesitate. “My favorite is probably chess,” she said with a smile.

At just 10 years old, Jha is not in a hurry to decide her long-term future. “I haven’t decided on my path yet,” she admitted. Still, she plans to continue chasing chess titles as quickly as she can.

For parents and children curious about starting chess, Jha offered simple advice. Learn the rules first, then find a good coach who can explain strategies clearly. She stressed that progress comes from both practice and preparation.