ISKANDAR PUTERI - At the heart of Johor’s chess triumph at the 2024 Sukma Games lies the inspiring journey of Ainul Mardhiah Mohd Afif, a 14-year-old chess prodigy with mild autism, dyslexia, and a speech impairment. Ainul’s remarkable journey to clinching a gold medal in the Rapid category for girls—and becoming Johor’s only Woman FIDE Master—is a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of those who believed in her potential.
Despite facing formidable teams from other states, Johor’s chess players displayed exceptional determination. Ainul’s gold medal, alongside two bronze medals won by Chong Jin Cheng in the boys’ Blitz and Rapid categories, highlights the team's collective commitment.
Central to Ainul’s success was the pivotal role of Mohd Syaiful Akmal Abdull Karim, a Sports Psychology Officer with the Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ). His mentorship and emotional guidance proved invaluable in helping Ainul navigate the pressures of high-stakes competition.
“When I first met Ainul, her uncommunicative nature posed a challenge,” Syaiful shared. “Together with her coach, I invested time and effort to understand her personality and what motivated her.”
Through patience and dedication, Syaiful discovered Ainul’s love for Lego, which became a bridge to connect with her. His personalised approach and steady encouragement helped Ainul remain emotionally grounded during critical moments. To celebrate her gold medal victory, Syaiful presented her with a Harry Potter Lego chess set.
“I’m so proud of her. This gift is a reminder of her success and a promise that she’ll continue to shine in future competitions,” Syaiful said.
“Unlike physical sports where athletes can channel stress through movement, chess demands calm focus and emotional stability,” he added.
With 15 years of experience working with athletes, including visually and hearing-impaired players at the 2015 Singapore Games, Syaiful understands chess's unique mental challenges.
“In chess, you can’t outrun stress or hit harder to vent frustration,” he explained. “You need clarity and composure. When mood swings arise, that’s when I step in to help players refocus.”
Ainul’s father, Mohd Afif Md Nasir, also played a crucial role. Recalling her father’s arrival at the event, Dinesh Gerijan, coach of the Johor Sukma chess team and Assistant Secretary of the Johor Chess Association (JCA), said, “When her father arrived, Ainul’s face lit up. It was clear how much his presence meant to her.”
Dinesh credited the collaborative efforts of coaches, the JCA, and the MSNJ. “The Johor team was the underdog, but we never gave up on our athletes. Everyone played a part in keeping the team motivated and focused,” he said.
Dinesh recently received a mock cheque from the Johor State Government amounting to RM18,650 on behalf of JCA, as recognition of the Johor team's achievement at the 21st Sukma Games.
Ainul’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mentorship, teamwork, and emotional support. For Syaiful, Dinesh, and everyone involved, her success is not just a triumph for Johor but an inspiration for the entire sporting community.
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