A great loss to Braille Chess Community

Dear Friends,

We lost our beloved friend, philosopher and guide Ludwig Beutelhoff on 27th March 2022. On behalf of IBCA and entire blind chess fraternity, our sincere condolences on this tragic loss. Ludwig Beutelhoff was a legendary figure in the world of braille chess. His contribution in promoting braille chess is unmatchable, his mammoth work in world chess brought braille chess to a next level. He was very kind-hearted person, his dedication, commitment to braille chess made Ludwig universally respected.  This is big and irrevocable loss to IBCA and entire blind chess community. Our thoughts and prayers go to Christine and family and friends in this hour of sorrow.

In memory of beloved Ludwig Beutelhoff

Ludwig Beutelhoff A great functionary of German and international braille chess has left the world forever. On March 27, Homberger Ludwig Beutelhoff died at the age of 74. From 2005 to 2017 he was president of the IBCA (International Braille Chess Association), the world federation for blind chess, after which he was honorary president. Before that, he was first vice president from 1992 to 2004. From 1998 to 2011, Beutelhoff was also chairman of the German Blind and Visually Impaired Chess Federation (DBSB).

Ludwig Beutelhoff comes from North Rhine-Westphalia, where he attended the school for the blind in Paderborn. He graduated from the German Institute for the Blind (“blista”) in Marburg and then studied law.

He has been a member of the DBSB since he was young and played in all DBSB championships in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also used more often in the DBSB selection. In 1980 he played at the Blind Chess Olympiad in the Netherlands.

By 2020, Beutelhoff had been a member of the Homberg Chess Club for well over 40 years, ten of which as chairman. In the 1970s, Beutelhoff was the editor of the “Marburger Schachzeitung”, which was published in Braille and has long since ceased to exist. In 2005, the then Vice-President, Mr. Beutelhoff, was appointed President of the IBCA after a tragic incident. IBCA President Delfin Burdio Gracia (Spain) died suddenly during the Blind Chess World Cup in Greece.

Beutelhoff was the Disability Officer of the DSB. In 2007 he received the silver badge of honor from the DSB. The then DSB President Herbert Bastian personally presented him with the Golden Badge of Honor 2017.

This is irrevocable loss to entire braille fraternity. We will miss you Ludwig.  Please join us to pay our last homage to our beloved leader. Our thoughts and prayers go to all his family and friends in this hour of sorrow.

Dr. Charudatta Jadhav

President, IBCA