Omar Abdullah Al Hashmi, a 30-year-old chess enthusiast who is blind, is making waves in the chess world with his determination and drive to excel in the game. Despite facing many challenges, Al Hashmi finds confidence and decision-making skills through chess. He completed his studies in Human Resource Management and is an avid learner with a love for music and novels.
With a goal of becoming the first blind chess player to represent the UAE in the World Chess Olympiad, Al Hashmi trains rigorously and has already made significant progress in a short time. His dedication and determination to achieve his goals have impressed his coaches and fellow players at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games, where he trains regularly.
Inspired by Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman Saleh, the country’s top player, Al Hashmi uses both tactile chess sets and visualization techniques to train and improve his skills. Recently, he had the opportunity to play against members of the Philippine Paralympic Chess Team during their visit to the UAE, gaining valuable experience and knowledge from the encounter.
The support for Al Hashmi is growing, with recognition and encouragement coming from the chess community in the UAE. He aims to inspire others to overcome barriers and achieve their goals despite disabilities. Meanwhile, the Philippine Paralympic Chess Team also made waves at the Dubai Open Chess Tournament, with one of their players securing a top 10 spot in the final standings.
The team, comprised of partially blind and wheelchair-bound players, showcased their skills and determination at the tournament, with Menandro Redor winning a gold medal at the Asian Para Games in China. The team’s head coach, James Infiesto, praised the team’s achievement and highlighted the importance of their participation at such high-level competitions.
Overall, Al Hashmi and the Philippine Paralympic Chess Team’s successes demonstrate the power of determination, skill, and resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness in the world of chess. Their stories inspire others to pursue their passions and dreams, regardless of any obstacles they may face.
