Spelling bees gave Indian American kids a stage—today they are all the rage, as they are acculturated to American culture.
In a gripping and unexpected twist, 12-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, emerged as the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, overcoming a stunning self-inflicted error that could have cost him the title. His victory wasn’t just a display of spelling mastery—it was a testament to poise under pressure, mental endurance, and sheer resilience. Zaki, a sixth-grader and first-time finalist, captivated viewers with his calm presence throughout the competition. But the moment that stole headlines came when he appeared to misspell a relatively simple word—an uncharacteristic mistake that left audiences in disbelief. The word was "difficile," a word he’d reportedly encountered before. He paused, faltered, and misspoke the last letter. Gasps filled the room. However, the ruling judges determined that Zaki had not actually completed the word before correcting himself—meaning the mistake didn’t officially count. He was granted a second chance, and he seized it with las...