JOHOR BARU: What started off as a simple trial to take part in an online chess competition during the Covid-19 pandemic has now propelled a 16-year-old disabled student to not just win competitions in the country but also abroad.
Batu Pahat-born Ainul Mardhiah Mohd Afif, who emerged winner in the women’s category of the Malaysian Chess Championship early this month, is expected to represent Malaysia in the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Her father, Mohd Afif Md Nasi, said his daughter, who is autistic and suffers from dyslexia, did not know anything about chess when she took part in the online competition organised by the Education Ministry during the pandemic.
“She was just 10 back then. But within a short time, she somehow got the hang of it and started winning,” he said, adding that he subsequently got all his children to play chess.
Mohd Afif, a former biology teacher, quit his job after nine years because he wanted to take care of his five children, who were all disabled.
“My wife is a housewife. She is overwhelmed looking after them as they are not just autistic but also have dyslexia,” he said, adding that Ainul Mardhiah is his second child.
He has three boys and two girls, aged between eight and 18.
Mohd Afif said playing chess helps his children to stay calm and focus.
He said over the past six years, Ainul Mardhiah has taken part and won more than 50 chess competitions at various levels, including school, district, state and even represented Johor in Malaysia Games and won gold in 2024.
He said she made her international debut in 2023 and has since travelled to many countries, including Italy, Dubai, Singapore, the Philippines, UAE and Mongolia.
“We were fortunate that a Kuala Lumpur-based company offered a one-year sponsorship for her to take part in international competitions last year.
“The sponsorship has ended and I had to use my savings to fund her chess career,” said Mohd Afif, who takes up odd jobs to make a living.
Initially, the family received assistance from SMK Datin Onn Jaafar’s parent teacher association as the prize monies were not enough to cover the expenses, especially for international tournaments.
They were also grateful to Johor Baru District Chess Association chairman Narayanan Krishnan, who has been helping and coaching Ainul Mardhiah and her siblings over the past few years.
“This year, we had to turn down at least three international chess events due to funding issues. For now, we hope to raise about RM40,000 for her to go Uzbekistan in August,” he said.
Ainul Mardhiah, who also likes to draw anime during her free time, said she enjoys playing chess and hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a grand master in the game.
When asked about her travels abroad to take part in competitions, Ainul Mardhiah said she enjoyed her time in Italy due to the nice scenery and food.
Meanwhile, Narayanan said the association will help to organise roadshows including games at their chess academy and schools to help raise some funds for Ainul Mardhiah.
“She is truly an inspiration to others. Despite being disabled, she did not let her condition to impede her,” he said.
He also urged government agencies, companies or even individuals to come forward to her realise her dream.
Donations can be deposited under Persatuan Catur Daerah Johor Baru Public Bank Account 3100546603 or contact him at 013-7717525 for enquiries.
