Full Breakdown
Malaysian Boy with Autism Invites Chess Enthusiasts to Play
2/4/2026, 4:28:00 PM
A Unique Invitation from a Caring Mother
Muhammad Nur Raziq Muhammad Nur Qisti, a 12-year-old boy with autism from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, has expressed a desire to play chess with enthusiasts, including his dream of competing against grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. His mother, Nur Syazana Zakaria, 36, initiated a Facebook post on January 16, inviting chess players to visit her food stall in Senawang Prima to engage with her son. The post garnered significant attention, receiving approximately 20,000 likes and drawing ten visitors who came to play chess with Muhammad Nur Raziq.
Muhammad Nur Raziq's Chess Journey
Muhammad Nur Raziq began playing chess in kindergarten and has participated in several local competitions organized by Didik Catur and Akademi Catur Pepateh. He is currently coached by Muhammad Afdal Noor Azman, the head chess coach for Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia in Negeri Sembilan. Afdal noted that Muhammad Nur Raziq shows a strong desire to win and is improving in his decision-making skills during games. “He is becoming more confident in making decisions during games because of the new knowledge I share with him,” Afdal stated.
Support and Challenges Faced by the Family
Nur Syazana shared that after Muhammad Nur Raziq was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, she initially struggled with denial but soon recognized the need to support her son. She enrolled him in various therapy programs, including applied behavior analysis, which have significantly improved his social interactions and communication skills. Despite the financial burden of these programs, she and her husband have made sacrifices, with both working extra hours to fund the necessary therapies. “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 remarked.
Community Response and Engagement
The community's response to Nur Syazana's invitation has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing admiration for her dedication as a parent. Comments on her post highlight the inspirational nature of her efforts, with one user stating, “Well done, madam. You are a role model and an inspiration to parents with children talented in mind sports.” This support not only encourages Muhammad Nur Raziq but also raises awareness about autism and the importance of community involvement in nurturing the talents of children with special needs.
Conclusion: An Open Invitation
Muhammad Nur Raziq continues to play chess at his mother's stall on weekends and school nights, inviting anyone interested in the game to join him. His story exemplifies the power of community support and the potential for children with autism to thrive when given opportunities to engage in their interests.
