Millie Kikech Flies Kenya Flag High at Indian Open International Scrabble Championships

Millie Kikech carried Kenya’s hopes with distinction at the concluded 21st edition of the Indian Open International Scrabble Championships, organized by the Karnataka State Scrabble Association (KSSA) and hosted at the Musigma Campus in Bengaluru, India.

The four-day tournament attracted more than 150 players from 13 nations, and for Kikech, the challenge went beyond personal ambition. As the sole Kenyan participant, she was playing for her country, the leadership of Scrabble Kenya, fellow Kenyan players, and women in the sport.

After 33 games spread across four demanding days, Kikech emerged champion in Division B, topping a field of 52 players with an impressive record of 24 wins and nine losses to hoist the Kenyan flag on the international stage.

Speaking to Dailysport.co.ke from India, Kikech admitted that the final day was mentally taxing, with pressure mounting from both the global scrabble community and supporters back home.

“Today, being the last day, it was not easy to determine the winner, but as I continued playing, I faced tough players, which I managed to beat them all for the crown,” said Kikech.

She described the tournament as highly competitive, noting that playing alone as Kenya’s representative was initially daunting. However, preparation through training at Kinoo Club and guidance from Scrabble Kenya proved decisive.

“We usually have tournaments across the country, and I went for the Indian championships with a winning mentality. I had confidence, propelled by practice and encouragement from our leadership in Scrabble Kenya and fellow Kenyan players who didn’t travel. I represented them well,” she said.

Kikech emphasized that her victory was bigger than individual success.

“The win is not for me but for the country as a whole—ladies and students—so they can learn that scrabble can help you excel to greater heights.”

She also highlighted the significance of her triumph in a male-dominated field.

“As much as there were many men in the tournament, it was a reminder that the sport is not for men only. It is encouraging that ladies can make it at the global level,” she added.

According to Kikech, Kenya’s competitive domestic calendar has played a major role in preparing players for international events.

“The Scrabble Kenya calendar gives us more matches to gain experience. Through this, I have learnt that consistency is key,” she said.

Buoyed by her success, Kikech called on the government to support scrabble, particularly for young people with strong language skills.

“I want to encourage the government to support the sport, especially for young people who can grow the game locally and globally,” she said.

Her call comes in the wake of Kenya’s strong showing at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championships (WESPAC) in Accra, Ghana, where the national team, Word Warriors, clinched bronze behind champions Nigeria and hosts Ghana, who settled for gold and silver respectively.

Top ten finishers

KSSA Indian Open 2026 – A Division

Round 33 Standings

KSSA Indian Open 2026 – B Division

Round 33 Standings

KSSA Indian Open 2026 – C Division

Round 15 Standings