Once the board was set and pieces were aligned, a motley group of students try to show keen interest in attacking the opponent’s move, paying rapt attention to every detail taught by their trainer.
Perhaps, this is one of those rare occasions where they could prove their analytical skills at the regional-level chess tournament to be conducted jointly by Visakha Differently Abled Chess Association (VDACA) and Prajwal Vani Welfare Society on August 28 at PRISM College.
Though chess competition for those who fall into four categories – physically-challenged, visually-impaired, hearing-impaired and mentally-challenged – has been held annually for the last couple of years, this is the maiden tourney that opens its doors to differently-abled persons from across three districts – Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. “This apart, winner and runner-up in each category will secure a direct entry into the national level contest to be held in Chennai in December for which tailored coaching will also be facilitated,” says K. Yesu Babu, founder of the VDACA, adding that chessboards and clocks will be provided at the venue to the participants except the /visually-challenged and they should bring their own Braille chessboard.
Buchholz system will be followed for scoring and an arbiter will be monitoring the entire event.
“It is definitely going to be challenging to compete in a regional-level contest but I am determined to give a tough fight to the opponent,” says Venkat, orthopaedically-challenged person while picking up defending and attacking techniques of the game.
A team of trainers are planning to seek help of NGOs to provide free training to the participants. “There are about 10 students from the society who will be heading to the contest. The customised training in sign language and using Braille chessboard aims at fine-tuning their chess prowess. Computers and smartphones are also used to play chess,” says K.V.L. Suchitra Rao, founder of Prajwal Vani Welfare Society.
The contest will be held on the college premises on August 28 between 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For registration and further details, contact: 9704000068.
