Ability, not disability – Blind Go player making waves in China

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Scientific research has found that people born blind have more accurate memories than those with sight. And Xu Guanglin has proved this is true. This blind 10-year-old Go player from the city of Anshan in northeast China's Liaoning Province is making waves on social media – with nine consecutive wins in the national Go competition.

Xu Guanglin, a 10-year-old blind Go player from northeast China's Liaoning Province is making waves on social media. /CGTN Photo

Often known as a game for the intellectually gifted, Weiqi, known in English as Go or Encirclement Chess, is a game of encirclement and capture, which takes place on a board of 361 squares. It is a game in which age does not necessarily spell victory.

“I was worried at first when I found out some of the opponents are adults who have been playing the game for years. But he doesn't seem to be bothered,” said Xu Rongsheng, father of Xu Guanglin.

Xu Guanglin, who only started playing Go one and a half years ago, is an ordinary kid with disabilities. His story is an example of how attitudes have changed in China in terms of promoting the integration of the disabled into mainstream society.

Scientific research has found that people born blind have more accurate memories than those with sight. /CGTN Photo

Xu's coach told CGTN that the mind and tactics of the blind players are different from ordinary folk. They have their own understanding of the game.

Chen Tianjun, the coach of Xu thinks the mind and tactics of the blind players are different than ordinary folk, and they have their own understanding of the game. /CGTN Photo

In China today, more windows of opportunity have been opened to people with disabilities, like Xu. The improved welfare system for the disabled is one of the factors that need to be taken into account for Xu's outstanding performance of the game.

"The situation is very much different now. People used to think the disabled could only stay in their own social circle. It is not the case today, as more accessibility is ensured for these children in terms of the amount of social activities," Zhang Jinlian, Xu's school teacher told CGTN.

Zhang Jinlian, the school teacher of Xu also told CGTN that more accessibility is ensured for the disabled in terms of the amount of social activities nowadays. /CGTN Photo

There is still a long way for Xu to go before becoming a professional Go player, but for him, the game is indeed a lifetime friend.

573km