Checkmate: Three Orang Asli Girls Dominated At The Asean Chess Championship

Three young and very much unknown Orang Asli girls left a lasting impression on their opponents after emerging as first, second, and third place winners at the 18th Asean Age Group Chess Championships in Kuantan on Sunday.

The Malaysian underdogs – Veronica Mahdan, 16, Lanida Dahlan,14, and Erni Sharira Yusri, 15 - brought home two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals and at the same time, helped put Malaysia on the chess map.

What’s even more inspiring is that this is the first time these girls have competed in an international chess tournament! The tournament hosted over 600 participants from various parts of Asia.

Lanida, who won two gold medals in the Under-14 category, said their coach, Safri A. Razak, didn’t pressure them and wanted them to join just to gain some experience and exposure.

The girls turned heads and gave their opponents a run for their money!

“All this while, I have only represented my school and state... this is a lifetime opportunity for me and my friends. This is also the longest I have been staying away from my family...the nine-day tournament ends today and we will be returning home tomorrow,” Lanida told the New Straits Times.

As for Veronica, she was happy that she chose chess instead of netball as her co-curricular activity in primary school. Although many of her peers laughed at her choice, her decision ended up being fruitful after being able to compete in various tournaments and also, winning them.

The girls were part of a nine Orang Asli squad from the Jakun tribe in Bukit Ibam, Rompin.

Their coach, who is a teacher at SK Buluh Nipis, couldn’t be prouder of them.

“The students were eager to participate here and I am glad we managed to contribute some medals for the country,” Safri told the English daily.

Well done, girls. This goes to show that no matter who you are or where you come from, if you have the passion and determination, you will eventually succeed. Congratulations!