Chenaya earns Most Popular School Chess Player award
View(s):
Chenaya Ekaratne, a rising chess talent, at just 14-years-old, has already made significant strides in the national and international arenas. As a result of her consistent performances and growing list of accolades, positioning her as a promising figure in Sri Lankan chess, Chenaya was honoured with the Most Popular School Chess Player – Girl title at the Sri Lanka National Chess Excellency Awards 2025 held on June 1 at the BMICH.
This prestigious recognition stands as a testament not only to Chenaya’s growing excellence on the chessboard but also to the admiration, respect, and support she has earned from the wider chess community and followers across the nation. Her tireless dedication, sportsmanship, and inspiring passion for the sport have already made her a role model for young chess enthusiasts.
In a competitive field of highly talented schoolgirl chess players, Chenaya has distinguished herself not just through her strategic brilliance and steady performance, but through her humility, grace, and the spirit of fair play. Her journey reflects the essence of perseverance, commitment to continuous improvement, and love for the game qualities that have truly resonated with the public and her peers alike.
Chenaya, a student of Musaeus College, captained Sri Lanka at the Worlds Schools Chess Championship 2023 held in Greece. Last year she went on to represent the country at the World Youth Chess Championship in Brazil, Asian Youth Chess Championship, Asian Youth Rapid Chess Championship and Asian Youth Blitz Chess Championship held in Kazakhstan, Commonwealth Chess Championship and Commonwealth Blitz Chess Championship held in Malaysia, Western Asian Youth Chess Championship, Commonwealth Chess Championship, Commonwealth Blitz Chess Championship and Commonwealth Rapid Chess Championship held in Sri Lanka and the Asian Schools Blitz Chess Championship, Asian Schools Chess Championship and Asian Schools Rapid Chess Championship held in Thailand, where she won two bronze medals.