The cramped house tucked in a nondescript narrow lane in South Gate here is not the likeliest residence of a world-level chess champion.
Yet, here lives 47-year-old deaf and mute K. Alagurajan, a seven-time national champion in chess for the deaf, who had won silver medal in the open category in the World Individual Deaf Chess Championship organised by the International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD) in Yerevan in Armenia last month.
Though Mr. Alagurajan qualified for the tournament in previous years, he could never participate due to lack of funds. “Flight and accommodation is taken care by All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD) and ICCD. But I need to spend for the train tickets to Delhi,” Mr. Alagurajan explains in sign language.
He said his expenditure on the train tickets, a travel bag and a pair of shoes was almost equivalent to the prize money he earned in the tournament. A jacket and a track-pant were sponsored by an association in Delhi.
Chess had been the passion for nearly 30 years for Mr. Alagurajan, who dropped out of school after Class 8.
“He accidentally got acquainted with persons who used to play chess in Mappillai Vinayagar tournament. They spotted his talent and encouraged him to play further,” said his mother K. Pappammal, whose all five children, including Mr. Alagurajan, were born deaf and mute.
Though Mr. Alagurajan’s family, which runs a petty shop selling savouries, discouraged him, he never gave up chess. “His marriage also failed mainly because of the importance he gave for chess instead of ensuring a regular income for the family,” Ms. Pappammal said.
His brother’s family, residing next door, helps him with his expenses and food. Mr. Alagurajan also earns a meagre amount by occasionally coaching children although his disability is an impediment in communicating effectively with them. “They can practise by playing with me,” he says.
While chess players who participate in regular tournaments get assistance from the government, Mr. Alagurajan says that the physically-challenged persons barely get any support. His attempt to get a job in the railways did not materialise as they demanded a minimum qualification of Class 10.
“My plea is for a job that will give me space to pursue chess,” he says, adding that his immediate concern was his inability to help his brother financially for his daughter’s wedding.
Despite all the odds, Alagurajan says he could never consider quitting chess as that was the only thing that gave him happiness. “I will continue to participate in tournaments and coach children till my death,” he says.
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