Malaysia hosts World Youth Scrabble Championship 2025, young talents shine on home ground

The international event gathered over 200 young players from more than 20 countries, celebrating language, intellect and global friendship through the game of Scrabble.

KOUSALYA SELVAM
By  KOUSALYA SELVAM
04 Sep 2025 09:57am
Photo of Team Malaysia.
Photo of Team Malaysia.
Hannah Yeoh while delivering a speech at the event.
Hannah Yeoh while delivering a speech at the event.

Malaysia has successfully hosted the World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC) 2025, which took place from Aug 30 to Sept 1 at Sri Kuala Lumpur International School, Subang Jaya.

The international event gathered over 200 young players from more than 20 countries, celebrating language, intellect and global friendship through the game of scrabble.

Across three days, competitors battled through 24 rounds played under strict time controls similar to chess.

In addition to the main competition, divisions were created for younger and developing players, ensuring inclusivity and encouraging participation at all levels.

India's Madhav Gopal Kamath emerged as the overall champion, securing 21 victories with a spread of 2,354.

He was joined on the podium by Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu of Nigeria in second place, while Pakistan's Aehzam Ahmed claimed third.

Malaysia's young talents also shone on home soil with three podium finishes. Grayson Ling Dao Xu was crowned Under-12 Champion, while teammate Nathan Tan Rui Ern took the runner-up spot in the same category.

Meanwhile, Amelia Goh Hui Neo secured third place in the Under-14 division. Team Malaysia ultimately finished fifth overall, reaffirming the nation’s growing reputation as a Scrabble powerhouse.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who officiated the championship, praised the tournament not only for its competitive spirit but also for its ability to unite young people through intellectual challenge.

"This championship is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of language, intellect and love for a game that challenges the mind and unifies people.

"The Youth and Sports Ministry recognises Scrabble as one of the 103 gazetted sports in Malaysia, which allows players to claim tax deductions for expenses related to the game. We are proud to see Malaysia hosting this global gathering and showcasing our commitment to the development of youth and sports," she said in a statement.

Malaysia has consistently nurtured world-class youth players, having produced World Youth Champions in 2009 and 2010, runners-up in 2007 and 2008, as well as recent age-group victors, including U8 Champions in 2019 and U10 Champions in both 2023 and 2024.

The 2025 championship further highlighted the depth of local talent competing against the world’s best.

Malaysian Scrabble Association (MSA) President Mohammad Ali Ismail expressed gratitude to all partners who made the event possible.

"This championship would not have been possible without the strong support and encouragement from many quarters, especially the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Education Ministry and Sri Kuala Lumpur International School for hosting us. We are deeply thankful to our organizing team, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who made this global gathering a reality.

"More than just a competition, WYSC 2025 has been about fair play, lasting friendships and the shared love of Scrabble. We hope the experience has enriched every participant and created memories to last a lifetime," he said.

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World Youth Scrabble Championship
WYSC 2025
MALAYSIA
Scrabble
Hannah Yeoh
international scrabble tournament

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