Indian chess player Shailesh Nerlikar passes away at 40

India lost one of its most special chess players' ever in the likes of Shailesh Nerlikar who was just 40. The never give up attitude and the hurdles crossed throughout his entire career makes his story even more special. He participated in various tournaments including his appearance at the World Disabled Championships in Germany. Born as a normal child in Kohlapur on 21^st May 1977, Shailesh was a victim of the doctor's negligence for which his entire life changed. Due to the lack of proper medication, he suffered from quadriplegia and multiple contractures. The disability was severe as he could not run, walk and sit like a normal child. Just when everyone thought that Shailesh would give up on life, he found a companion, the beautiful game of chess. The introduction of the game changed his life forever! The board with white and black squares became his world and it was checkmate to all his disabilities. But he faced many difficulties, as he could not sit and play, he used to sleep sideward's and instructed his mother about the move and she used to make the necessary changes. He often used a stick and pushed it forward which was an indication to move the pawn. Amidst such difficulties, he managed to make a mark and even reached the highest rating of 1600+ during his peak. Also Read: Viswanathan Anand - The Tiger Cub from Madras Taking baby steps to the competitive world, Shailesh got a FIDE rating and promised much more in the future. It appeared that he was a good prospect and so many people came to his help, the limelight was upon him. Becoming the grandmaster was all on his mind, day and night! Shailesh wanted to showcase his talent abroad and strived to find financial support to make an appearance in the World Disabled Championships in Dresden, Germany. In spite of various obstacles, he managed to take the flight to Germany and represent the tri-colour in such a big event. Just as he silently made his entry into the world of chess and surprised everyone, he passed away unexpectedly on the 10^th of March 2018. There will no one special like him in the near future and is a huge loss for Indian chess.