OVER 500 players of various ages are currently taking part in the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang. Yet, it is two wheelchair-bound brothers – Too Pi He, 11, and Pi Cheng, 13 – who are drawing the most attention at the Berjaya Hotel Penang ballroom, where the tournament is being held.
The physically challenged siblings have captured hearts with their grit and cheerful spirit as they pit their skills against fellow competitors.
According to their aunt, Mickey Too, both Pi He and Pi Cheng were born healthy. However, their muscles began to weaken when they were about one and a half years old, leading to a loss of mobility and stunted physical growth.
“Their spines are also affected and quite severely curved. Doctors have yet to identify the exact illness, though they suspect it could be genetic,” Mickey told Buletin Mutiara in an interview.
“I’ve been taking care of them since their diagnosis, as their two older sisters are facing the same condition. My brother and his wife care for the girls, while I look after the boys. Among the five siblings, only their eldest sister is unaffected.”
As physical sports were not an option for Pi He and Pi Cheng, Mickey felt chess could be one game they might enjoy.
True enough, they developed a strong interest in the game. With encouragement from a coach, Mickey began taking them from their hometown of Kulai in Johor to various tournaments beginning last year.
Pi He, a Standard Five pupil of SJKC Lok Yu 2 in Benut, Pontian, showed promise by finishing as the Under-12 runner-up in a chess tournament for the physically challenged, and also clinched fourth place in a district-level competition that attracted over 200 participants. Pi Cheng is currently being homeschooled.
While competing in a tournament in Pekan, Pahang, last September, Mickey and the boys met veteran chess coach Jax Tham from Kuala Lumpur, who readily took them under his wing.
“I’ve always coached able-bodied students. This is my first time taking on the challenge of training OKU (persons with disabilities) players,” Tham said. “They already had the basics, so I guided them on a pro bono basis from there.
“I believe they have a real passion for the game. When a child has passion, all they need is the right mentorship to improve. Over the past nine months, I’ve seen tremendous progress. They not only play in OKU tournaments but also compete in mainstream events, and they’ve achieved impressive results.”
Exposure to tournaments has made a significant difference, transforming the boys from shy and reserved to confident and self-assured as they face off against teenagers and adults.
“Before, they were very shy. But now, after participating in a series of tournaments, they’ve become much more open,” said Mickey, who will drive Pi He and Pi Cheng to Kuala Lumpur about twice a month for training sessions with Tham.
Tham is proud to note that both brothers have now obtained FIDE ratings — official recognition by the World Chess Federation — through their consistent participation in tournaments and notable results.
“They not only competed in their district but also travelled all the way from Johor to Pahang to take part in tournaments. The sacrifices made by their parents or guardians reflect a deep commitment — it’s all for the happiness of the children. I’m genuinely moved by Mickey. Caring for one physically challenged child is already a challenge, let alone two. She has been doing this for nearly a decade, fully dedicating herself to supporting her brother,” Tham said.
When asked what advice he has for other physically challenged individuals, Tham said: “I would encourage them to chase their dreams. For instance, if someone wants to play the piano or any musical instrument, learn it well. If you’re passionate about something, give it your all and strive to be the best you can be.”
Tham said he plans to mentor the two brothers for the next two to three years to see how far they can progress. Over his 26-year coaching career, he has trained players who have gone on to represent Malaysia at the Asian Games, the Olympics, and the World Chess Championships.
“My aspiration is for both of them to one day compete in Para Sukma. Of course, we also dream of seeing them in the Paralympics. But ultimately, it depends on how hard they are willing to work. That’s my dream for them, but they must want it too.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis