A 12-year-old autistic boy in Malaysia is honing his chess skills by challenging passersby at his mother's noodle stall. Muhammad Nur Raziq Muhammad Nur Qisti offers RM2 to anyone who can beat him twice in 15-minute games. The initiative, which went viral on social media, has turned the family business into a makeshift training ground.
In Seremban, Malaysia, 12-year-old Muhammad Nur Raziq Muhammad Nur Qisti has found an unconventional way to sharpen his chess abilities. The autistic boy, supported by his mother Nur Syazana Zakaria, invites locals to play against him at her wantan mee stall. The stakes are low but enticing: defeat Raziq twice in quick 15-minute matches, and win RM2.
Nur Syazana, 36, initially never anticipated her son's talent for the game. She was taken aback when a teacher suggested he participate in a national chess carnival. With friends too busy to practice with him, the family turned to public outreach. Nur Syazana posted on a Malaysian chess community Facebook page seeking opponents, offering the small cash incentive to draw interest.
The post quickly gained traction, going viral within days. As a result, seven individuals visited the stall to take on the challenge. According to Nur Syazana, Raziq held his own impressively, losing only once. "That's how we decided to advertise inviting people to play chess with Raziq at the stall," she explained. The stall, originally a means to fund his chess classes and extra income, has evolved into a vital space for his development.
Today, the modest eatery serves dual purposes: providing meals and fostering Raziq's passion. Nur Syazana noted that it has become a "training arena" for her child to chase his dreams in chess. This grassroots effort highlights community support and the boy's determination amid his challenges.