Oza146;s dark hour ends

For Rajesh Oza it8217;s a move that could well define his future. The National 8216;A8217; Blind Chess champion will after all fly to Ist...

For Rajesh Oza it8217;s a move that could well define his future. The National 8216;A8217; Blind Chess champion will after all fly to Istanbul, Turkey for the World Championship for the Blind to be held from November 19 to November 29.

Oza8217;s victory in the Nationals held in Mumbai in May made him eligible to participate in the World Championship. Happy at qualifying, Oza continued to practise for the big event but did not know where the funds, amounting to Rs 70,000, required to make the trip would come from. After The Indian Express August 11 reported the player8217;s dilemma, quite a few individuals and corporate world were moved by the his plight.

While Pooja Mangwani Rs 8,000, Prakash Kunte Rs 5,000, Sujit Godbole and friends Rs 5,000, JK Sports Foundation, Mumbai Rs 5,000 generously donated, Poona Blind Men8217;s Association PBMA promised to make up for the shortfall.

Apart from collecting funds amounting to Rs 40,000, PBMA has also taken care of other needs like a pair of shoes, suitcase, blazers and warm clothing.

Says PBMA executive director and NAB honorary secretary Niranjan Pandya, 8216;8216;It is a big moment for him, we could not let his trip be aborted for such minor reasons. To make sure he does not face any problem, we have also approached the National Association for Blind NAB, Mumbai for funds.8217;8217;

Oza, on his part, has been preparing for the mega event, training daily for three hours, playing against sighted players and listening to coaching manuals on cassettes in Hindi prepared by his coach Joseph D8217;Souza. 8216;8216;It has been a real grind. But, assured of help, I could focus on the game. Thanks to my coach Joseph D8217;Souza, we have been really able to plan my campaign,8217;8217; he says.

D8217;Souza elaborates, 8216;8216;We have chalked out the various special gambits and tactical openings. Also, we have studied a few middle games and endgames that will stand him in good stead at the championship.8217;8217;

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Oza has been in good form. At an Invitational Team Championship in the city, he stunned Sohan Phadke, a FIDE-rated player, and won second prize on the third board. Most recently, he emerged champion at the All India Open Blind chess championship in the city on Friday.

Oza, is nervous excitement two days before his departure on Monday. But the health of his father, who suffered a heart attack in September, has him worried. 8216;8216;This is a dream come true for him, but sadly he cannot come to see me off at Mumbai.8217;8217;

But for the time-being it is chess that takes top priority. Oza is all geared to make the most of his maiden international move.