Hyderabad teen with muscular dystrophy shines at international chess championship

K.S.R.A. Praneeth, an 18-year-old battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, competed in the World IPCA Chess Championship in Goa, earning a medal and boosting his FIDE rating. Despite health challenges, he continues to train, inspire, and support others facing similar conditions.

Hyderabad: Eighteen-year-old K.S.R.A. Praneeth has been bravely battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and severe genetic disorder that progressively weakens the skeletal and heart muscles—most commonly affecting boys. Despite the challenges, Praneeth continues to pursue his passion for chess, recently earning a participation medal at the 24th World IPCA Individual Chess Championship held in Goa.

Although his performance may not have grabbed headlines—scoring 4.5 points out of nine rounds—Praneeth’s determination paid off with an increase of 80 points in his FIDE rating, placing him 49th overall. His current ELO ratings stand at 1591 in the Rapid category and 1455 in the Blitz format.

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“That he endured extreme weather conditions, with temperatures soaring to 103°F, only proves his grit and unwavering zeal to keep improving,” says his proud father, K. Srinivasa Rao, an employee at Ernst & Young. In a commendable gesture, the firm has allowed him to work from home so he can care for both of his sons, including 16-year-old K.S.R. Shourie, who is also affected by the same condition.

Due to their condition, neither of the boys can attend school or even venture out in a wheelchair, given the lack of accessible infrastructure in public transport and roads. Understandably, Praneeth competes only in tournaments for the physically challenged. In June this year, he participated in the National Championship for this category and scored four points from nine rounds.

Praneeth credits much of his progress to his online coach, Amitpal Singh of Maestro Academy, a qualified FIDE trainer who has been guiding him consistently, and to N.V.S. Rama Raju of RACE Academy, who has trained players like Grandmaster Dronavalli Harika and supported Praneeth’s training over the last three months.

“It’s an ongoing struggle. Our biggest worry is the potential severity of the condition, which could make life even more difficult,” say parents Srinivasa Rao and K. Pavani, a homemaker. “In Goa, Praneeth had a fever during the tournament, but he still competed—demonstrating immense courage and spirit.”

“Both our sons were completely normal until the age of seven, when DMD was diagnosed in 2014. Since then, life has changed dramatically for our family,” Rao adds.

“Medical expenses are overwhelming. With the help of friends and relatives, we started a WhatsApp group to support 13 families facing similar challenges—most of them economically disadvantaged. We would be grateful if more people came forward to support this noble cause,” he appeals.

By all means, this is a powerful story of grit, resilience, and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.