Youngest member of the Hong Kong women’s chess team talks about historic Chess Olympiad win
Although she is only 12 years old, Lou Yuxin helped her team win the city’s first-ever championship in the prestigious game.
Lou Yuxin is the youngest member of Hong Kong’s women’s chess team.
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Lou Yuxin has a new piece of decor to brighten up her home: a gold medal from the 45th Chess Olympiad.
At 12 years old, Yuxin was the youngest member of the Hong Kong women’s chess team, which made history by winning the city’s first-ever Chess Olympiad championship in September. They beat 34 teams to claim victory.
Yuxin, who was born in Hong Kong and now lives in Hangzhou, also achieved a title at the tournament: Woman Candidate Master – the International Chess Federation’s fourth-ranking title for female players.
“As the youngest player on the team, I do feel pressure, but I also have high expectations for myself,” she said. “This achievement is not only a recognition of my personal efforts but also a testament to our teamwork. I regard this honour as motivation to continue striving for excellence.”
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Road to greatness
Yuxin first took up chess at the age of five after watching her brother learn the game. “I found it fascinating to see the pieces move on the board,” she said.
She developed her skills quickly, winning the title of Chess Master at the Chinese Chess Association when she was only seven years old.
“My success in chess comes from a combination of passion and persistence,” said Yuxin.
She participated in the Hong Kong Chess Championships 2024, finishing in third place, which locked in her spot on the women’s team for the 45th Chess Olympiad.
“The tension and excitement were hard to describe,” she said, adding that she was very nervous to play against masters in the Olympiad.
Thankfully, Yuxin had older teammates to guide her, including Jasmine Leung, 20, and Chelsea Liang, 18.
Leung and Liang have been honing their chess skills for over a decade. In 2023, they represented Hong Kong in the Hangzhou Asian Games. The women’s team placed ninth out of 12 in Hangzhou, and Liang said the experience prepared them for the Olympiad.
“Everyone contributed to the team to make Hong Kong history, which makes the experience more memorable and rewarding,” said Leung.
Encouraging girls in chess
Liang and Leung agreed that chess is a male-dominated discipline, noting that of the approximately 2,000 grandmasters – chess players who have achieved the highest title in the game – only 42 are women.
“Historically, it’s men’s social scenes that are playing chess more, thus resulting in more men getting into chess,” said Liang, who is studying global business at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Liang has seen this discrepancy first-hand, having started a chess club in secondary school, where she was the only girl among 70 regular members.
Still, Leung said she hasn’t faced any pushback for being a female chess player.
“Most people I play against are quite open, so they don’t look down on me because I’m a girl,” said the Chinese University of Hong Kong law student.
To attract more girls to the game, Leung suggested creating mentorship programmes for young women as well as prioritising female prizes in tournaments.
Yuxin also gave a few practical tips for those getting into chess: “Study games from various players to enhance your opening strategies and endgame skills,” she said. “Practise diligently to improve your quick thinking and strategic vision.”
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