SEREMBAN, Malaysia — A Malaysian mother is inviting the community to help her 12-year-old son sharpen his chess skills, earning praise and support online.
Nur Syazana Zakaria, 36, posted in the Malaysian Chess Community Facebook group on Jan. 16, inviting enthusiasts to play with her son, Muhammad Nur Raziq Muhammad Nur Qisti, at her food stall in Senawang Prima, Negeri Sembilan. Since then, about 10 visitors have stopped by to play with him.
“I am thrilled with the support from everyone. Muhammad Nur Raziq has received very positive feedback,” Nur Syazana said. The boy plays chess at the stall until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and for shorter sessions on school nights.
Muhammad Nur Raziq first learned chess in kindergarten and started showing interest last September. His mother set up a chess table at her stall, with simple rules: each player gets five minutes per game, with a three-minute extension, and losing two games costs him RM2 (65 Singapore cents).
“He plays chess to improve, and I humbly invite anyone – active players, strong and skilled, especially those with ratings – to stop by and play with him,” Nur Syazana wrote in her post, which has drawn around 20,000 likes.
The young boy, who was diagnosed with autism at age two, enjoys chess and dreams of competing against grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. He is currently coached by Muhammad Afdal Noor Azman, head chess coach for Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan) and Sukma Negri Sembilan.
“He has a strong desire to win and is becoming more confident in decision-making during games,” said Mr. Muhammad Afdal.
Muhammad Nur Raziq also attends weekly coaching lessons, which his mother supports despite the cost. “He’s showing potential in chess. As a parent, how can I not support him? As long as I have the funds, I will go the extra mile to support him in every way I can,” she said.
Chess enthusiasts in Senawang Prima are encouraged to visit Nur Syazana’s stall to play a game or two with the young talent and help him continue developing his skills.