By looking at chess player K.V. Krishna Karthik’s physical disability many mistake him for being mentally challenged. But the fact is he is a victim of nervous system failure.
He lost vision of his right eye due to detachment of optical nerve and his head hardly stays on the shoulders - wobbling continuously.
This 27-year-old found solace in chess and what started off as an indulgence became an obsession and despite physical hardships, he went on make his mark in the game of sixty-four squares.
With coach Sk. Khasim and father K.V.L. Narasimha Murthy, also a chess arbiter, offering their unwavering support, young Karthik (Elo 1,930) never looked back winning the AP Open chess championship at Hyderabad in 2002 and AP unrated chess championship in 2004 at Vijayawada.
He also clinched trophies such as AP State rapid title for u-18 boys in 2004 at Guntur and finished fifth in the AP inter district u-25 championship in 2007 at Gudivada.
Karthik is a permanent feature in all the tournaments in Andhra Pradesh and he along with his father is well known to all top chess players in the country.
During the process of Karthik’s professional growing up Khasim became so attached to the talented player he became his permanent tutor. “Karthik never leaves me and he always believes in my teaching skills,” points out Sk. Khasim of Global Chess Academy.
As luck would have it, the organisers of the Scotland Commonwealth Games have sent Karthik an invite to take part in the tournament meant for physically challenged players. The organisers have promised to take care of Karthik’s stay and food expenses.
“We need around Rs. 2.5 lakh towards tickets for Karthik and his coach from Hyderabad to Glasgow. We need a helping hand as he stands a fair chance of winning a medal in the tournament, which will help him get a government job. Those willing to contribute can contact me at 9849514138 or globalchessacademy@gmail.com,” says Sk. Khasim.
For septuagenarian Narasimha Murthy, the most important goal of his life is to see his son settle down in a permanent job. “The Scotland invite is god sent. I am keeping my figures crossed,” says a pensive Murthy.
