Rajesh Oza Chess Academy

In a remarkable twist of fate, where we often hear of sighted individuals guiding the blind. Rajesh Oza has reversed the roles, leading others through his extraordinary chess vision. Though he lost his eyesight at 15 due to complications from a cataract operation, Rajesh’s brilliance on the chessboard has overshadowed the challenges he faced.

Born on May 17, 1977, Rajesh Oza turned to his favorite pastime, chess, after losing his vision. Under the mentorship of Mr. Joseph D’Souza, he worked tirelessly and went on to win the National ‘A’ Championship three times, making history as the first completely blind player to achieve this feat in India. Rajesh also became the first blind chess player in India to earn a FIDE international rating. His historic victory in the 2002 National Blind Title catapulted him into the international chess scene, representing India in tournaments across the world, including Turkey and Spain.

Rajesh’s achievements are numerous. He scored the highest-ever for an Indian at the World Individual Championship in Istanbul and has captained India’s blind team at the Chess Olympiads and World Championships. His remarkable career includes victories over sighted players, including defeating Super Grandmaster Pendyala Harikrishna in a simultaneous exhibition in 2003. Over the years, he has represented India in multiple Olympiads, including in Greece, Spain, and Serbia, and has won numerous national and international titles.

Beyond his competitive success, Rajesh Oza is a respected coach who has trained thousands of students, including national champions and international competitors. His dedication to the chess community has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chirag Award in the sports category and recognition from organizations like the Rotary and Lions Clubs. His contributions to the field of chess have been widely featured in media, and he is deeply grateful to the many parents and families who trust him to guide their children on the path to chess mastery.

Rajesh Oza’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, proving that true vision extends far beyond what the eyes can see.