State Level Championship

CHAPTER 17

State Level Championship

The great day of the State Level Championship had at last arrived. Anand was very much excited. And so were his parents, coach, doctors and friends. All had come to the hospital to give best wishes. Anand was sitting in a wheelchair. Doctors gave bouquets to Anand.

Looking at Anand proudly, Raghuram said, “You are a wonder boy. I am surprised to see your will power. I know you will win the State level Championship.”

Giving a bouquet, Ravi said, “Take this bouquet on behalf of the hospital.”

Anand thanked Dr.Ravi. Ward boys helped Anand into the ambulance in wheelchair. Rekha and coach Raghuram also sat in the ambulance with Anand. Vimal did not climb into the ambulance since he had to go to office.

Looking proudly at his son, Vimal said, “Anand, you will definitely win the game. Don’t take any tension.”

Looking at his father with love, Anand said, “If you too come, it would be so nice.”

But Vimal had work at his office and so he shook his head looking at Anand sadly and said, “You know, I don’t get any leave from office.”

The ambulance door closed. Anand waved from the window. Vimal and Anand’s friends also waved at Anand.

The tournament had started. Rekha, Raghuram and others watched Anand playing with different competitors. Anand went on winning all the games. Raghuram kept giving advice. Anand won the final game too and became the State level junior chess champion.

Everyone was happy. Anand was now selected for the national level championship.

Trophy function was going on. The Governor had come to distribute the prizes. The auditorium was full of people. The Governor was calling the winners one by one and giving the prizes. General Secretary came to give speech.

General Secretary announced, “Anand has won the State Level Junior Championship. It gives us a great pleasure to give him the trophy. He was attacked by muscular disease just 20 days back. He came straight from the hospital to compete. We admire his great will power. Anand, please come on to the stage.”

Anand was brought on to the stage in a wheel chair. Everyone clapped. Raghuram himself was pushing the wheel chair. The Governor came near the wheel chair to give the trophy.

Anand looked at Raghuram with admiration. “It is all because of coach Raghuram uncle that I won the trophy. Please give the trophy to him.”

Raghuram patted Anand’s back kindly and said, “Anand, you have won because of your will power. Take the trophy.”

Anand extended his hands to take the trophy. All clapped. As he took the trophy from the Governor’s hands, Anand’s whole body started shaking. He fell down from the wheel chair. The trophy fell from his hands. Everyone was shocked. Raghuram phoned to the hospital. The ambulance arrived and Anand was taken to the hospital.