Rudolf Marić was a well-renowned Yugoslav and Serbian chess International Grandmaster and International Arbiter. Born on 4 September 1927, he spent his childhood in Novi Sad where his passion for chess emerged. Marić lost his eyesight in 1945 due to an infection. This, however, did not deter him from pursuing his love for the game. He attended the Faculty of Law in Belgrade and graduated from the program.
His chess career is highlighted by various achievements. The first big success was when he won the Yugoslav Chess Championship in 1951. Later in the 1952 Helsinki Summer Paralympics, he took the gold in chess. As an outstanding chess player, he became an International Chess Master in 1953, and finally, an International Grandmaster in 1958.
Despite the obstacle of blindness, Marić successfully competed in thirteen Chess Olympiads, a record held by him till today. He scored victories against players like Svetozar Gligorić, Dragoljub Ciric, and Vasily Smyslov. His 1976 victory against World Champion Smyslov is particularly notable.
Marić is also remembered for his contribution as an International Arbiter, providing valuable services to several World Chess Championships and the Women's World Championship. He was also a relentless campaigner for the rights of disabled chess players, arguing that they should be allowed to compete in normal tournaments and championships.
He passed away on 20 October 1986, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the world of chess.