In a remarkable achievement for the Kurdish community, nine-year-old Eva Haval Nzarki clinched third place in the rapid chess, or speed chess, competition of a prestigious chess tournament held in Moscow on July 22, 2024. Competing against 171 participants of various ages and skill levels, Eva distinguished herself as the only Kurdish girl in the competition, earning admiration and recognition for her talent and perseverance.

The tournament was Established in 2004 by the Moscow Chess Federation with the primary goal of organizing chess championships for children. To this day, The Unit of Chess Education has held more than 300 championships, with the main theme being bullet chess and classical chess for the last few years. Although the Unit ensures to serve high-quality competitions, it strives for more than that by creating memorable events that leaves a lasting impression on participants, encouraging them to continue pursuing this game. The tournament winners are determined by their rank which is published on Moscow’s Chess Federation website. The same website is utilized to publish other evaluation systems. The determination and focus exhibited by young players such as Eva Nzarki is what pushes such organizations for the better.

Eva’s journey in chess began when she was two years old when her grandmother introduced her to the game. Having grown into a dedicated hobby, now her interest is fueled by a deep passion for the game. Chess is more than just a game for Eva; it is a tool that enhances her cognitive abilities and academic performance. Studies have shown that playing chess can improve critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and concentration. “Chess is my favorite game. It develops logic and thinking,” Eva explained.

For Eva, the benefits of chess extend beyond the board, positively influencing her studies and overall intellectual growth. “I play chess often, and it has had a positive impact on my studies. Chess is a very interesting game, and I think it’s the best. The game is complicated because of its strict rules on how you can perform your moves, which is why it improves the players focus. It also develops players’ attention because if you make one mistake, you might lose the whole game.”

Her dedication to chess is evident, not only in her recent accolade, but also in her continuous effort to improve her skills. For nearly two years, Eva has been honing her abilities at chess academies, preparing herself for both national and international competitions.

Family support and future aspirations

Eva’s father, who has been a steadfast supporter of her chess endeavors, expressed immense pride in his daughter’s success. “She has had a passion for chess since childhood,” he said. “We have been attending chess academies to develop her skills further for the past two years. Our goal is to see her participate in more international chess tournaments in the future.”

Living in Moscow, Russia, with her family, Eva balances her academic responsibilities as a third-grade student with her rigorous chess training. Her recent success in the tournament is a testament to her hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her family. 

Eva’s victory in the Moscow chess tournament was a proud moment for her family and the Kurdish community. Yet, at the same time, her family is not focused on winning or losing but more about getting to witness her personal growth and developing knowledge. 

Her story serves as an inspiration to young chess enthusiasts everywhere, highlighting the importance of passion, perseverance, and family support in achieving one’s dreams.

As Eva continues to excel in chess, her future in the game looks promising. With her talent and dedication, she is poised to make a significant mark in the chess world, bringing pride to her community and paving the way for other young players to follow in her footsteps.

 Khoshawi Muhammad is a journalist with extensive experience in media and press. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master's degree in Political Sociology and Relationship, and a PhD in Theory, Methodology, and the History of Sociology. He has also served as a correspondent for multiple Kurdish news media operating primarily in Russia.