A blind date with destiny

PUNE: When Rajesh Oza interacts with his mother, he can''t see her concern — he can only feel it. Almost two years back, Oza created history of sorts, becoming the first totally blind player in the 20-year history of the sport (blind chess) in India to win the National ''A'' Chess Championship for the Blind.
Now he has created another — becoming the first Indian visually impaired player to get an international rating, an achievement most players only dream of.The previous winners of National ''A'' championship were partially blind players.
The recent rating list, issued by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs Fide), the world governing body for chess, has given Oza a rating of 1927 after his impressive performance last year.
His victory in the National ''A'' helped him qualify for the Istanbul world individual championship, where he scored highest points ever by an Indian (5.5 out of 9). He also remains the only blind player in India to beat a Grand Master, P. Harikrishna in June 2003.
His performance is all the more commendable as the achievements conceal the distress of poverty. He lost his father last year and his two brothers have deserted him and his mother.
Rajesh, at times, helps his married sister sell idlis, while his mother does household chores in the neighbourhood.
His friends approached the Rotary Club, who allotted him a telephone booth. His family members also selected a spot near Collector''s office, and the authorities concerned have given verbal ''no-objection'' certificate. However, for past eight months, Pune''s corporators and the civic authorities have been sitting on his case.
Oza lost his sight following a failed cataract operation. His life may have been plunged into total darkness, but his expertise in his chosen game has brought him some bright moments. Just 18 months after he started playing competitively, 25-year-old Oza has made his mark on the game.
"I joined Joseph D''Souza''s Chess Academy and am very grateful to him for teaching me and helping me play chess with everyone," says Oza. "The international rating has boosted my morale and I think I should get more chances to represent the country," he says.