Kireka Chess Club is proud to celebrate one of our own, Omprakash Sana Kayyar, who has put her name in African chess history with a great performance at the 2025 African Junior Chess Championship held in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde.
Representing Uganda and Kireka Chess Club, Sana clinched the silver medal in the Girls’ section after nine tough rounds, securing her first Woman International Master (WIM) norm. This landmark result not only confirms her place among Africa’s brightest young talents but also pushes her closer to crossing the 2000 rating mark, a record that would make her the highest-rated female player in East and Central Africa.
Her determination was on full display in the final round, where she held a critical draw against Algeria’s Ryma Nassr, sealing her podium finish. Throughout the event, Sana demonstrated the fighting spirit and resilience that has become her trademark, showing why she is both a national champion and a continental force.
Uganda’s Vice President Otim Isaac summed up the national pride in Sana’s achievement, stating:
“Sana is a fighter. Our continental champion. We are very proud of her!”
For us at Kireka Chess Club, her success is deeply personal. Sana has grown within our ranks, carrying the Kireka spirit of hard work, discipline, and excellence onto the continental stage. Her silver medal and WIM norm are not only her individual triumph but also a victory for the entire Kireka family, inspiring every young player who looks up to her journey.
As she now sets her eyes on surpassing the 2000 rating milestone and pursuing greater international titles, we stand firmly behind her. Sana has made Kireka Chess Club, Uganda, and East Africa proud and this is just the beginning.
credit: Samuel Were
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