Grade 8 Redhill School learner kings at both mathematics and chess
Jashil Sahdeo credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his family and teachers, who have played a crucial role in his chess and maths journey.
Redhill School Grade 8 learner Jashil Sahdeo has achieved remarkable success in chess and mathematics, earning recognition at the regional and national levels.
Jashil recently qualified to represent Johannesburg Metro Chess (JMC) in the U16 team at the Gauteng Inter-Regional Chess Championship, which will take place at the University of Johannesburg on December 7 and 8.
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This accomplishment highlights his chess skills and strong competitive spirit. According to Jashil, his journey in chess began at the age of seven when his cousin introduced him to the game. “My early goal was to beat her, which led me to having a deep passion for the game.” He explained that after many practices, he was able to beat her. “I enjoyed the game and started attending chess co-curricular after school.”
Jashil elaborated that his competitive nature and dedication to constant improvement have driven him to compete in various tournaments, eventually earning him a place on the JMC team. “The process of qualifying for the JMC team was challenging.”
He said he credits his success to consistent participation in tournaments, the support of this family and teachers, and his high chess Elo rating, which helped him stand out. “The tournaments were tough, with games often lasting up to two hours. The biggest challenge was staying focused during long, technical games, but over time, my concentration span grew, and it helped me perform better in other areas, like school exams.”
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Jashil highlighted that alongside his chess achievements, he has also been invited to attend a prestigious maths camp at Stellenbosch University from December 9–13. “This event is hosted by the South African Mathematics Foundation and the camp will bring together talented learners, like me, who excel in mathematics.”
Jashil, who has represented South Africa at the International Mathematics Competition (IMC) in both Bulgaria (2023) and India (2024), is excited about the opportunity to take his problem-solving skills to the next level. “It is a great step towards joining the International Mathematical Olympiad team, which is the most prestigious maths contest in the world.” In the future he sees himself pursuing a career in actuarial science, engineering, or computer science, but for now he’s happy to solve those equations and move those pieces.
He concluded by stating that he treats chess as a hobby, as his academics are his priority.
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