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NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
NDTV Asked Indian-Origin Spelling Bee Champion To Spell 4 Words. His Response
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American from Texas, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee by spelling "éclaircissement." He praised his supportive parents and shared his journey, emphasising perseverance and motivation for aspiring competitors. New Delhi: 'P-E-R-S-P-I-C-A-C-I-O-U-S'. 'S-C-H-A-D-E-N-F-R-E-U-D-E'. 'C-A-C-O-P-H-O-N-Y'. 'G-A-R-R-U-L-O-U-S'. Faizan Zaki, an Indian-American student from Texas who recently won the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship, spelled these words effortlessly. Playing a short spelling bee on NDTV, all it took Faizan was to hear the word, understand the meaning, and spell it out. Perspicacious means having a keen understanding of something, schadenfreude means taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune, cacophony means a harsh discordant sound, and garrulous means someone who is very talkative. The 13-year-old champion who took home over Rs 40,00,000, a medal, and a trophy after winning the National Spelling Bee championship, told NDTV that the moment was overwhelming for him. "I was just relieved that I got my word right. At the end, when I finished my word, you could hear me gasping for air. It was a really great moment," he said. Faizan had started participating in spelling bee competitions since his first grade. "I started in my first grade, where I did my school spelling bee, and luckily, I won. So I decided that spelling bees are a great thing, and I wanted to do it, so I kept working harder and harder. I had my ups and downs. But finally it culminated in this, where I won," he said. He also praised his parents for the constant support. "My parents, other than helping me with spelling itself, were also really supportive. They were really there for me when I was unmotivated and when I didn't want to study. They kept pushing me, and they taught me how to persevere through that. So all my credit goes to them," he said. The spelling bee champion added, "When my parents first came to the US from India, they basically had no idea what they were doing, and they were struggling. It makes me sad, so I want to give back to the community." Faizan gave a piece of advice to other students who are participating in such competitions. "My biggest piece of advice is stay motivated because that's what I did when I got second place last year and I kept studying harder and harder - then finally I won," he said. The word that won Faizan Zaki championship Faizan Zaki, a seventh-grade student at CM Rice Middle School in Texas, seemed to have a good chance at winning a few minutes before the culmination of the championship. But he rushed to spell his word before a proper explanation and got the first letter wrong in one of the rounds. Hardly before the word "commelina" had left the pronouncer's mouth, Faizan said: 'K-A-M-" He recognised his mistake right away. In the last round, it came down to Faizan and Sarvadnya Kadam. The last word that Faizan spelled correctly was 'eclaircissement' - which is defined as "the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment." He bested Sarvadnya to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. Seconds after spelling the word correctly, confetti rained down on Faizan. Organisers also congratulated Faizan's parents and his grandparents, who were watching the competition from their home in Hyderabad. This was Faizan's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Last year, he won second place. He is the only fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before. He tied for 21st place in 2023 and 370th place in 2019. 30 of the past 36 champions, including Faizan, of the Scripps National Spelling Bee have been Indian American.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet 13-year-old Indian-American genius who won Rs 4277590 for...., his name is...
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt 'éclaircissement' correctly, maintaining the dominance of the children from the community in the prestigious US competition. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. The first Spelling Bee competition was held in 1925 in Washington, DC, and only nine kids participated, according to Scripps. This year, more than 200 students competed. Zaki is only the fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before. He tied for 21st place in 2023 and 370th place in 2019. Zaki will take home USD 50,000, a medal and a trophy as he won the Spelling Bee in its 100th year. The 13-year-old took home the Scripps Cup outspelling more than 240 students from across the country, Scripps said in a post on X. According to the news agency PTI report, Zaki bested Sarvadnya Kadam to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. A 7th-grade student at C M Rice Middle School, Zaki finished second in 2024 in a spell-off to another Indian-American Bruhat Soma. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki earned the prestigious title in round 21 when he correctly spelt 'éclaircissement,' which is defined as 'the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment.' He outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title. The culmination of the national championship came with a shock. Zaki had an earlier chance to win this year's bee, in the 18th round, after mistakes by two other finalists. In what could have been the last round, when there were three left, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane got their words wrong. It seemed to be Zaki's big chance. But he rushed to spell his word before a proper explanation and got the first letter wrong. #Speller207 Faizan Zaki left everything on stage. A four-time competitor, 2024 Runner-Up, and now, the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion! Summing up his journey, 'I was amazed when I won my first school bee. Then I just kept winning.'🐝 #TheBeeTurns100 #SpellingBee — Scripps National Spelling Bee (@ScrippsBee) May 30, 2025 Hardly before the word 'commelina' had left the pronouncer's mouth, Zaki jumped on it, saying, 'k-a-m ——' He recognised his mistake right away, but it was too late. As he spelt the winning word, Zaki fell on the stage in joy as confetti rained down. 'I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy,' he said. According to the official website, Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas will receive From Scripps: a $50,000 cash prize, commemorative medal and the Scripps Cup, the official championship trophy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee; From Merriam-Webster: a $2,500 cash prize and reference library from the Bee's dictionary partner; From Encyclopædia Britannica: $400 of reference works, including a 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica Replica Set and a three-year membership to Britannica Online Premium; From Scholastic: $1,000 Scholastic Dollars to be donated to the school of the champion's choice in their honor; From News-O-Matic: A five-year subscription to News-O-Matic's K-8 news platform awarded to the champion's school. Adam Symson, president and CEO of the E W Scripps Company, presented the championship trophy. 'Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,' said Symson. His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee's largest stage, he said. 'In this landmark 100th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Scripps is honoured to celebrate Faizan's extraordinary achievement as well as the spellers throughout the Bee's history who continue to inspire millions,' he said. Nupur Lala was the first Indian-American to win the competition in 1999. As of May 30, 2025, the exchange rate for 1 US Dollar (USD) is approximately ₹85.52 Indian Rupees (INR). Therefore, USD 50,000 is equivalent to about ₹4,277,590.10. Please note that exchange rates fluctuate regularly, so the exact amount may vary depending on the time and platform used for the conversion. (With PTI Inputs)
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Indian-American Faizan Zaki wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt claircissement" correctly, maintaining the dominance of the children from the community in the prestigious US competition. Zaki bested Sarvadnya Kadam to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. A 7th-grade student at C M Rice Middle School, Zaki finished second in 2024 in a spell-off to another Indian-American Bruhat Soma. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki earned the prestigious title in round 21 when he correctly spelt claircissement, which is defined as the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment. He outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title on Thursday night. The culmination of the national championship came with a shock. Zaki had an earlier chance to win this year's bee, in the eighteenth round, after mistakes by two other finalists. In what could have been the last round, when there were three left, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane got their words wrong. It seemed to be Zaki's big chance. But he rushed to spell his word before a proper explanation and got the first letter wrong. Hardly before the word commelina had left the pronouncer's mouth, Zaki jumped on it, saying, k-a-m He recognised his mistake right away, but it was too late. As he spelt the winning word, Zaki fell on the stage in joy as confetti rained down. I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy, he said. Organisers congratulated Zaki's parents and his grandparents, who were watching the competition from their home in Hyderabad. I can't describe it, Zaki said minutes later. It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this. Adam Symson, president and CEO of the E W Scripps Company, presented the championship trophy. Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion, said Symson. His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee's largest stage, he said. In this landmark 100th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Scripps is honoured to celebrate Faizan's extraordinary achievement as well as the spellers throughout the Bee's history who continue to inspire millions," he said. "Their stories remind us of the shared joy in cheering for their success, reinforcing the Bee's legacy as a beloved tradition that, for a century, has championed connection, resilience and the limitless potential of young minds," Symson said. The first Spelling Bee competition was held in 1925 in Washington, DC, and only nine kids participated, according to Scripps. This year, more than 200 students competed. Zaki is only the fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before. He tied for 21st place in 2023 and 370th place in 2019. Zaki will take home USD 50,000, a medal and a trophy. He will receive a USD 2,500 prize and a reference library from the Bee's dictionary partner Merriam-Webster. Kadam of Visalia, California, placed second in the competition and will receive USD 25,000. Dharavane of Dunwoody, Georgia, will receive USD 15,000. Thirty of the past 36 champions, including Zaki, of the Scripps National Spelling Bee have been Indian American. Nupur Lala was the first Indian-American to win the competition in 1999.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Who Is Faizan Khan? 13-Year-Old Indian-Origin Spelling Bee 2025 Champion
Last Updated: Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Texas, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee by spelling "éclaircissement". Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American from Texas, made history by winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The seventh-grader from C M Rice Middle School clinched the title by correctly spelling the word 'éclaircissement", which means 'the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment". Faizan's victory continues the remarkable legacy of Indian-American spellers, who have dominated the prestigious US competition. He is one of only five contestants in the Bee's history to win after finishing second the previous year. In 2024, he narrowly missed the title in a spell-off, losing to another Indian-American, Bruhat Soma. Champion After Four Attempts This was Faizan's fourth appearance at the Bee. He first competed in 2019, placing 370th, and steadily rose through the ranks — finishing 21st in 2023 and runner-up in 2024. The final moments of this year's championship were filled with suspense. In Round 18, with only three contestants remaining, Faizan had a chance to win when the other two finalists, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane, misspelt their words. However, in his haste, Faizan jumped in too quickly and misspelt 'commelina", missing a golden opportunity. Still, he held his ground. By Round 21, he made no mistake and confidently spelt the winning word. As confetti rained down, an overwhelmed Faizan fell to the stage in jubilation. 'I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy," he said moments after his win. Later, he added, 'It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this." Faizan's dedication and determination were praised by Adam Symson, President and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company. 'Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion," he said, calling the win a testament to the Bee's values of resilience and excellence. Emerging as Spelling Bee champion, Faizan was awarded a USD 50,000 cash prize, a trophy, a medal, and an additional USD 2,500 and a reference library from Merriam-Webster. With this win, Faizan becomes the 30th Indian-American champion in the past 36 years, carrying forward a proud legacy that began with Nupur Lala's win in 1999. Meanwhile, runner-up Sarvadnya Kadam of California received USD 25,000, and Sarv Dharavane of Georgia received USD 15,000 for securing third place in the contest. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. What began in 1925 with just nine participants has grown into a celebration of academic excellence, with over 200 spellers competing this year. First Published: May 30, 2025, 14:34 IST
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Who is Faizan Zaki, the Indian-origin winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee?
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old with roots from Hyderabad, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his championship title. He correctly spelt 'éclaircissement' in a dramatic contest with fellow Sarvadnya Kadam and won a $50,000 prize read more Faizan Zaki outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Image courtesy: Reuters Faizan Zaki has officially been crowned the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 13-year-old clinched the title in a tense 20th round, outlasting fellow finalist Sarvadnya Kadam. His winning word? Éclaircissement. The moment he spelled it correctly, Faizan ran out of breath, dropped to the floor, and let the confetti fall as the crowd erupted in celebration. Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, Texas, reacts after winning the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., May 29, 2025. Reuters 'I can't describe it,' Zaki, who hails from Texas and has roots in Hyderabad, said just minutes after his win. 'It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to lifting the coveted Scripps Cup, Faizan also takes home a $50,000 cash prize and a commemorative medal. He outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his championship title. But who is Faizan Zaki? How did he prepare for one of the toughest spelling stages in the country? And on a broader note, why do Indian-American students continue to shine year after year at this prestigious competition? Here's a closer look. Who is Faizan Zaki? Faizan Zaki is no stranger to the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage. A seventh grader at CM Rice Middle School in Dallas, Texas, he's been working toward this moment for years, ever since his spelling journey began at the age of 7. Back in 2019, he made his debut as one of the youngest contestants in bee history, finishing in 370th place. By 2023, he had climbed to 21st. And just last year, he came heartbreakingly close to the title, finishing as runner-up after a dramatic spell-off. 'Obviously, I was really disappointed,' Zaki told USA Today. 'But then I just had that sudden drive to keep studying. So that's what motivated me to do better. And now I'm here. I have the trophy.' Faizan Zaki. AP Faizan's love for words started as a fun family activity. His parents, Zaki Anwar and Arshia Quadri, say he was already reading by the age of 2. 'He loves it. I mean he loves the learning and words, and so that has been like, you know, it's just been very easy,' his mother told the outlet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, 'We just want him to be happy and, you know, experience that. You know the whole experience of going to the bee.' His father echoed that sentiment: 'And if he can spell a few words there and get to a few rounds, then good for him, that would be amazing.' To sharpen his vocabulary, Faizan followed a new daily routine recommended by a representative from the Dallas Sports Commission, according to The New York Times. But spelling isn't all he's into. When he's not buried in word lists, Faizan enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, and speed-solving Rubik's Cubes. He's also currently learning French. Had things gone differently this year, he would have had one more shot at the bee. But now, he's thinking about new challenges, maybe trying his hand at the Math Olympiad or exploring his interest in linguistics. 'I'll have to think over summer what to do,' he said. 'I'll definitely make sure to get some new hobbies, since spelling's over.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why do Indian-Americans excel at spelling bees? Year after year, Indian-Americans have been making their mark at the spelling bee championship. Despite making up just 1 per cent of the US population, they've produced 29 winners since 1999. So, what explains this consistent success? A big part of the answer lies in the strong academic culture within Indian-American families. According to Pawan Dhingra, a sociology and American Studies professor at Amherst College, this 'has to do with a firm commitment by families to spend the time and money necessary to help their kids fully prepare'. Dev Shah, an Indian-American, has won the 2023 US National Spelling Bee competition. These children perform well not only in spelling bees but also geography, math and other academic contests, he added. Many parents in the community are highly educated — more than a third have postgraduate degrees, and another third hold college degrees. Most of these qualifications are in technical fields, especially engineering. In an article for The Conversation, Dhingra notes that this educational background shapes how parents approach extracurriculars. Many viewed it as an academic achievement that is key to getting into top colleges. Shalini Shankar, a cultural anthropologist and author of 'Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal about Generation Z's New Path to Success', in an interview with The New York Times, explained how Indian-American parents look for hobbies for their children that align with academic growth. Spelling often becomes one of these extracurricular activities, sometimes even being passed down through generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another reason, as per a BBC article, it is believed that Indian-Americans are 'particularly adept at rote learning and memorisation'. Harini Logan, a 14-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, lifted the Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy in 2022. File Photo/Reuters Sanjoy Chakravorty of Temple University in Philadelphia wrote for the outlet in 2016: 'There are suggestions that they are particularly adept at rote learning and memorisation. They work in clusters and use ethnic and family networks to dominate a few professions. These properties are strikingly similar to what works for their children in the spelling and geography bees - education, memorisation, and networks.' According to The Quint report, as many Indian-Americans are multilingual, it is 'normal' for the children to be well-versed in the vocabulary of different languages and excel in English. Thus, it is common for these kids to know several dictionaries by the age of 12. As Chakravorty wrote for the BBC, 'The immigrant's hunger for success, as individuals and as a community. The drive to work hard and suffer deprivations when needed. Anything that must be done to be both part of the mainstream and a shining example in it.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
