“Chess is more than a mere game. It is the art of reading one’s mind and heart,’’ said Ehsha Mishela Pallie who achieved the Chess title – Women’s Fide Master, when I asked her opinion about the game of Chess.
She is a 17-year-old studying at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo. On hearing of her achievements in academics and extracurricular activities, I was taken aback. She is not only a record -breaking Chess player but also a singer and guitarist -without a doubt, she is another gem in the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.
Passion
Ehsha’s passion for Chess is endless like a river. This is why she started playing Chess when she was very young. When I delved deeper into her childhood, I learned that it was her older brother who ignited the flame of Chess in her.
“I have an older brother. He is also a good chess player. He motivated me to play chess. At present, he is pursuing his higher studies in the Engineering stream at the University of Moratuwa,” she said.
Ehsha is an energetic and active student in school. Being a junior prefect, she has become a distinguished student at Visakha Vidyalaya. She made a name for herself in the international arena by winning the Asian and World medals at the age of six thus bringing glory to the country. The journey she has embarked on has carved many landmarks in her success story.
Under-18 Girls’ National Champion
Let me unfold her untold story. She became the ‘Under-18 Girls’ National Champion’. Later, she became first runner-up in the National Women’s Chess Championship.
She participated in the 2024 Commonwealth Blitz Chess Championship and won the Bronze Medal. Her culmination was when she achieved the ‘Women’s Fide Master’ title.
There is no gainsaying that the family is behind every success. This is an inspirational story to parents.
“There is no must in our family. My parents allowed us to do what we loved. That is why I was able to achieve what I have achieved. For instance, my mother identified my singing skills and allowed me to do music for my Ordinary Level examination. My parents and school teachers supported me to balance academic and extracurricular activities. I also have to thank my chess coaches, Rajeendra Kalugampitya and Naditha Amarakoon,” she said.
Certainly, Ehsha’s achievements would bear testimony to the fact that extra-curricular activities never disrupted her academic activities. Therefore, her message speaks volumes. “If you balance studies and extracurricular activities, you can easily pursue your studies,’’ said Pallie.