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Another Gold for Mahrez - This time, in 35th National Games

20 December 2025

“Chess is a miniature version of life. To be successful, you need to be a warrior, but a disciplined one." — Garry Kasparov

In the world full of Competitive Chess, a victory is not just about one good move. It’s a combination of countless unslept nights, quiet hours, lost games and an unbreakable trust in self that we’ll be able to make it. This month Genesis Chess Academy ( GCA’s family ) witnessed this truth in the most beautiful way. From December 6th to 13th, 35th National Games Karachi were held and our very own student Mahrez Fayyaz not only participated but conquered as a National Champion.

Securing First Position and Gold Medal among all the participants is a milestone many players achieved after years and years of consistent gameplay. For Mahrez it was a climax of a journey that began with park of passion and fueled by the constant pursuit of excellence in his field.

A Test of Courage - The 6 Round Battle

The tournament was grueling - 6 Rounds Swiss Format event which really tests one’s patience and their strategic thinking. The GCA representative not only navigated the board with his exceptional performance but also secured his wins against Amaan Saad and Essa Hussain who are highly formidable opponents.

However, the strength of a true champion is not measured by his wins but his attitude after a loss. During the competition, the Budding Chess player faced his only loss against Abu Bakar Vohra. Like any other game, loss in Chess can be a setback or devastating as to one’s motivation but the Young Chess Prodigy not only handled it with great patience but also cleared his mind, learn from his own mistakes , got back to the board even stronger and more focused securing First position and Gold Medal.

“Chess is the struggle against errors.” - Johannes Zukertot

Under the National Spotlight, Geo News Feature

Mahrez’s achievement was so remarkable that it automatically caught the attention of the media. It was a moment of massive pride for the GCA Community that Mahrez with his Coach, Our Director Sir Muhammad Ebad Ur Rehman got invited by Geo News for an exclusive interview.

It was a surreal experience for us to see him with his mentor on National TV. Sir M.Ebad has always been more than just a coach and was an architect of Mahrez’s training, pouring countless hours and efforts to refine his Chess skills. It was very clear that his Gold medal wasn’t just an award but also a silent message to everyone that with right guidance and under strong support one can excel in any field of life.

It Takes A Village- The Power Of Support and Guidance

While it was only Mahrez that moved the pieces on the board, his victory was supported by a strong foundation. At GCA we have seen and analyzed that champions are rarely self made. So we want to deeply congratulate Mahrez’s parents as their commitment and interest in Mahrez’s craft, the early morning practices, getting involved with him and travelling with him for the tournament without even thinking twice is the silent engine behind his win.

We also want to celebrate the vision of GCA Founder and Director Sir M.Ebad. His dedication to his students is beyond the 64 squares checkered board. He treats every game as a life lesson and teaches his students that chess is about discipline, foresight, and patience. This victory is a testament to his coaching philosophy and the high standards he sets for the Academy.

An Inspiration for Next Generation

Mahrez Fayyaz is now an inspiration to every student who walks through the Doors of Genesis Chess Academy. He showed that Passion is not just a word, It’s an action you take everyday to reach your goal without getting tired with consistency.

As we celebrate this historic win, we don't just celebrate a medal. We celebrate the birth of a role model. Mahrez, the entire GCA team is proud of you. This is only the beginning of your beautiful journey!