Kuching: Physically-disabled senior citizen, Termizi Yusuf emerged as champion of the 4th Malaysia Lions International Chess Championship Cup for People with Disabilities (PwD) for the Sarawak region here today. The 69-year-old walked away with the top prize of RM500 cash, a trophy, and a certificate after defeating Ezwany Osman, 30, in the final while Goh Jian Jun took the third place in the one-day competition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ezwany pocketed RM300 while Goh received RM200 as well as a certificate and trophy. All three winners will compete at the competition’s grand finale in Kuala Lumpur in October. The tournament was organised by District 308-A2, Region 1 Lions Clubs in collaboration with Sarawak Chess Association and Sarawak Chess Association for PwDs.

Lions District 308-A2 governor Annie Ho Chui Leng, in her speech at the prize presentation ceremony, said that 30 participants with visual, audio, and physical disabilities from Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Sibu, Mukah, and Miri took part in the tournament. She expressed pride in the diverse group of participants, which included 11 who are blind, eight who are deaf, and 11 with physical disabilities.

Annie Ho Chui Leng highlighted the participants’ diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, which included Bidayuh, Chinese, Iban, Kenyah, Melanau, and Malay. She noted that the gathering spanned generations, with the youngest participant just 19 years old and the oldest at 69, showcasing the spirit of inclusion and unity across age and ability.