In a groundbreaking achievement for India, 14-year-old Scrabble prodigy Madhav Gopal Kamath has created history by winning the World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This victory marks the first time an Indian has clinched the coveted global title, placing India firmly on the world map of competitive Scrabble.
A Landmark Victory
Competing against a strong field of 218 players from 18 countries, Madhav dominated the championship with 21 wins out of 24 rounds. His consistent performance, razor-sharp strategy, and calm composure under pressure allowed him to secure the crown in the penultimate round itself—delivering
India its first-ever global Scrabble title.
At just 14, Madhav is already ranked 8th worldwide across all age groups. Earlier this year, he also became the youngest-ever national champion by winning the 25th National Scrabble Championship in Mumbai. Having started playing Scrabble at the age of six, his journey is a testament to years of practice, dedication, and passion for the mind sport.
India’s Rising Stars
Madhav was part of a strong 12-member Indian contingent, supported by the Essar Foundation and the Scrabble Association of India (SAI). He trained under renowned Mumbai-based coach Neeta Bhatia, whose mentorship has been pivotal in shaping his skills.
India’s presence at the WYSC was further strengthened by 15-year-old Suyash Manchali from Bengaluru, last year’s runner-up, who finished fifth this year with 17 wins. Their performances reflect India’s growing prominence in Scrabble, a field traditionally dominated by players from Southeast Asia and the West.
Institutional Support Driving Growth
The rise of Scrabble in India has been fueled by grassroots tournaments, youth circuits, and strong organizational backing. Harvinderjit Bhatia, President of the Scrabble Association of India, hailed Madhav’s win as “a historic milestone and a proud moment for the entire community,” noting that it validates India’s growing stature in global Scrabble.
The Essar Foundation, which has been a key supporter of the Indian team, celebrated Madhav’s achievement as a reflection of their commitment to empowering youth. They emphasized the importance of nurturing intellectual and strategic sports alongside physical ones, ensuring young talents have platforms to shine internationally.
Beyond Academics: A New Inspiration
Madhav’s historic win carries significance beyond the Scrabble board. It showcases India’s untapped potential in intellectual arenas and highlights the importance of diverse pathways for young talent outside conventional academics.
As The Logical Indian sees it, this victory is an inspiring call to action—for families, educators, and policymakers alike—to recognize and support mind sports that foster creativity, cognitive agility, and patience.
Madhav Gopal Kamath’s triumph is not just his personal success—it is a defining moment for Indian youth, proving that with passion, practice, and the right support, global glory is within reach
Source: The logical indian
