Recently arrived teenager wins Scrabble world title for Australia

A recently arrived teenager from Sri Lanka has claimed the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi, marking a notable achievement for Australia. Dineth Fernando, a 14-year-old who has lived in Australia for less than a year, triumphed over 140 international competitors to secure the title. The competition, held in the Kenyan capital, saw participants from around the globe converge to test their vocabulary and strategic thinking skills. Dineth, whose native tongue is Sinhala, has made English his second language. His journey began when he was eight years old, when he developed an interest in Scrabble through school activities. By the age of 13, he had competed in national championships in 2022 and 2024, eventually earning the Australian Youth Scrabble Championship in July. This victory inspired him to participate in the world youth event, where he ultimately prevailed. The competition in Nairobi attracted a diverse group of young players, all eager to showcase their talents. Dineth credited his success to consistent practice, focusing on memorizing 200 words each day from the official Scrabble dictionary. His dedication paid off, leading to his remarkable win. He described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, noting how the game has helped him adapt to life in Australia and form friendships. Dineth’s achievements extend beyond the realm of games. He expressed aspirations to become a doctor and has shown a keen interest in mathematics and science. His father, Prasanna Fernando, a former medical professional in Sri Lanka, relocated the family to Australia in February this year due to educational and career opportunities. The move coincided with the family’s decision to support Dineth’s ambitions in the academic field. Prasanna Fernando emphasized the significance of Dineth’s accomplishment, particularly considering the long flight to Kenya, spanning 25 hours, and the geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran during the trip. Despite these challenges, the family decided to take the risk, and the outcome proved successful. He praised his son’s determination and acknowledged the role of Dineth’s coach, Rashid Sudin, who guided him over several years. The victory highlights broader issues surrounding competitive Scrabble in Australia. According to Prasanna Fernando, countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Thailand actively promote the game for its academic and sporting benefits. In contrast, Australia lacks widespread integration of Scrabble into school curricula. Only one school, Cabramatta Public School in Sydney’s southwest, includes the game as part of its program. Some gifted and talented initiatives in Victoria offer Scrabble as an optional activity. Tony Hunt, president of the Youth Australia Scrabbler Players Association, noted the potential for greater engagement with the game in educational settings. He advocated for Scrabble to be recognized as a sport that enhances literacy and numeracy. Hunt believes that educators should consider incorporating the game into gifted and talented programs, as students not only excel at it but also enjoy playing it. As Dineth continues to pursue his dreams, his story serves as an inspiration to others. It underscores the power of perseverance, language learning, and the importance of nurturing talent in unexpected ways. With his sights set on a future in medicine, Dineth’s accomplishments in Scrabble remain a testament to his commitment and ability to thrive in new environments.