National Chess Championship organized for visually impaired in Gujarat
By ANITuesday, May 11, 2010
SURAT - The Forum for Development of Visually Impaired and Rotary Club organised a national chess championship for the visually challenged in Gujarat’s Surat city.
The championship is being held for the last 22 years to boost the self-confidence of visually impaired players.
“The chess tournament for the blind and those with normal vision is organised in Surat for the last 22 years. This year 21 players participated in the tournament. Blind players are from Ahmedabad, Gujarat and Kathiawar and other players are from Surat,” said Himanshu Pandya, Secretary, Forum for Development of Visually Impaired.
It gives the players an opportunity to display their skills, besides giving them a chance to learn from experienced players.
“Whether it’s a player with normal sight or a blind player, it does not matter. I just want that the person should be a good player so that the game becomes interesting, joyful,” said Ashok Baraut, a player.
“We also get to learn a lot. So I like playing with a good player,” he added.
Out of the 21 players, who participated in the competition, six have been selected for the international level championship. (ANI)