Fil-Am Megan Paragua makes history, wins double gold in world chess tournament

NEW YORK CITY -  A young Filipino-American chess player has taken the top spot in her age group after clinching victory at the 2024 World Cadet Rapid and Blitz Championships held in Durres, Albania.

Now leading the world is 11-year-old Fil-Am Megan Paragua in the Under 12 Rapid and Blitz Chess after her double victory.

The international competition from April 25 to 29 saw nearly 300 participants from around the globe.

Paragua, a Woman FIDE Master. won two gold medals and trophies from the contest.

New York Consul General Senen Mangalile personally congratulated the young Paragua when she made a courtesy call at the consulate.

"We're very proud of what she has accomplished and I think she's representative of the quality of the younger generation in the Filipino-American community. We at the consulate will always be here to offer any support we can, but more on the celebration of her Filipino heritage and the national pride that we feel whenever accomplished persons like her," said Mangalile.

 

Megan is the daughter of Jan and Jennifer Paragua, both natives of Bulacan.

Jan, Megan's father, is a chess trainer while her mother is a dialysis technician.

Megan's goal is to become a National Chess Master and hopes to eventually become an International Chess Master.

Due to her exceptional talent in chess, she is currently a scholar at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School.
Her advice to young people like her:

"Definitely do hard work because you can't just wake up one day and be really good at this and do nothing at all. Consistently try to play chess or practice on what you want to do... and just keep on going no matter if you lose or you win.”

In the face of setbacks, Megan said, “Just keep on going and accept the fact that you lose and learn from your mistakes because there’s never been one great player (who) never lost a single game in (their) life. We always lose, put them (in) that position really are right now. Mistakes help to become a great player.”
—RF, GMA Integrated News