Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 2: Kishen Gangolli from Kundapur came out with the gold medal in the IBCA Asian Chess Championship for the blind held at Manipal which came to an end on Friday March 31. Kishan, who ended the eighth round against Aryan B Joshi from Maharasthra on Friday through a draw, was declared winner for having collected maximum of seven out of eight possible points. Born blind, Kishen has never accepted blindness as a shortcoming.

Kishen now aims at chess Olympiad for the blind being held in June this year at Macedonia. He wants to win gold medal for the team in addition willing gold medal for himself. In 2012, he had participated in the chess Olympiad held in Chennai and won gold medal. India, the best performance of which was 16th place in Olympiad till then, won fifth spot in that competition. Kishen has been working hard for himself and the country since then.

Indian chess team now comprises Kishan Gangolli, Makwan Ashwin K of Gujarat, who got silver medal this time, Soundarya Kumar Pradhan of Odisha and Aryan Joshi and Patil Shjrish from Maharashtra.

Kishan (25) is from Gangolli in Kundapur taluk. His father, Raveendra, employed in Canara Bank, has settled down in Shivamogga. His mother works as beautician in Shivamogga. Kishen happens to be the only child of his parents. He has secured MA in economics from Kuvempu University with second rank.

Kishen took to chess seriously when in sixth standard with the support of his maternal uncle. He began to participate in chess competitions for the blind in 2011. He was initially trained by Krishna Udupa from Shivamogga who happens to be another blind chess player.

Kishen usually mingles with everyone without unduly publicizing his handicap or seeking any undue favour. Kishen feels that he could come so far because of his habit of overlooking his blindness and the determination to do more in sports and life.