Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) celebrated the historic triumph of the Indian teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad with a grand felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. The event witnessed the announcement of a staggering ₹3.2 crore in rewards for the gold medal-winning squads.

AICF President Nitin Narang unveiled the generous rewards, with each player from the victorious teams receiving ₹25 lakh. The captains of the men’s and women’s teams, Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan, were honored with ₹15 lakh each. Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, the head of the Indian delegation, received ₹10 lakh, while the assistant coaches were rewarded with ₹7.5 lakh.

“The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues,” declared Narang during the felicitation. “In the open section, we dominated, and in the women’s section, we owned it.”

AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel expressed optimism that the historic twin gold medals would ignite a chess revolution in India. “In 97 years of Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It’s a historic achievement,” Patel said. “This will give a new spark to chess enthusiasts. We will look to use this momentum to encourage the next generation of chess players.”

India’s triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest marked a watershed moment in Indian chess history. The men’s team, led by D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, displayed unwavering dominance throughout the tournament, defeating Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh, the star performer, won 10 of 11 rounds, propelling India to the top with 21 out of a possible 22 points.

The women’s team, captained by D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan in a tense final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the champions, praising their dedication and impact on Indian sports.

The AICF’s generous rewards and the historic achievement of the Indian teams are expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India, further solidifying the country’s position as a global chess powerhouse.

Chess Olympiad Trophy Goes Missing, AICF Files Police Complaint

Chess Olympiad Trophy Goes Missing, AICF Files Police Complaint

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has filed a police complaint after the Gaprindashvili Trophy, a rolling trophy awarded to the team with the best overall performance in the Chess Olympiad, went missing from its office. The incident has forced the AICF to arrange for a replica of the prized possession and tender an apology.

The trophy went missing over a month ago, after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) requested its return for the ongoing 45th edition of the Olympiad in Budapest. Despite extensive searches, the AICF has been unable to locate the trophy.

AICF vice-president Anil Kumar Raizada expressed embarrassment over the situation, stating that the trophy had been missing for over 30 days. He confirmed that an official police complaint had been filed and an investigation would follow.

A senior AICF official revealed that a contingency plan was in place and a replacement trophy had been ordered. The official acknowledged the embarrassing nature of the situation and apologized for the inconvenience caused.

The current edition of the Olympiad, which began on September 10 and concludes on September 23, features 197 teams representing 195 national federations. India is fielding strong teams in both the open and women’s categories, with the open team consisting of Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala. The women’s team includes Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev.

The AICF’s failure to safeguard the Gaprindashvili Trophy has raised concerns about the organization’s handling of valuable assets. The incident has also cast a shadow over the ongoing Olympiad, where India is a strong contender for the gold medal.

Indian Chess Federation Unveils Ambitious Action Plan to Transform the Game

Indian Chess Federation Unveils Ambitious Action Plan to Transform the Game

Indian chess is experiencing a surge of excitement and optimism. With a 17-year-old Grandmaster poised to challenge for the world championship and a new leadership team at the All India Chess Federation (AICF), the future looks bright.

AICF President Nitin Narang has unveiled an ambitious ₹65 crore action plan, outlining measures to support players, enhance infrastructure, and promote the game at the grassroots level. The plan includes cash rewards for top players, contracts for age-group players, and the establishment of 20 online academies to provide coaching to promising young talents.

Narang emphasizes the importance of sustainability and transparency in the federation’s operations. He has secured funding commitments from several partners and plans to increase revenue through initiatives such as a national rating system and a unified registration process.

The AICF is also exploring the possibility of hosting the Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Chess Championship in India later this year. Narang acknowledges the challenges involved but remains optimistic about securing the bid.

To address the need for qualified coaches, the AICF will implement a “Train the Trainers” program. The federation also plans to incentivize chess content creators to promote the game and inspire aspiring players.

Narang recognizes the importance of supporting women in chess and has introduced several initiatives, including increased representation in arbitration and expanded events under the “Smart Girl” program.

The AICF’s focus on grassroots development includes the establishment of district-level academies and a robust policy framework to ensure the proper training and support of young players.

Narang emphasizes the need for an active and responsive federation that listens to stakeholders and addresses their concerns. He encourages feedback and ideas to enhance the action plan and build a sustainable and thriving chess ecosystem in India.

AICF Unveils ₹65 Crore Blueprint to Revolutionize Chess in India

AICF Unveils ₹65 Crore Blueprint to Revolutionize Chess in India

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has unveiled an ambitious ₹65 crore budget and blueprint to revolutionize chess in India. This comprehensive plan aims to provide financial and institutional support to players at all levels, from grassroots to the elite, and to popularize the game across the nation.

The initiative comes on the heels of India’s historic success in the Candidates Tournament, where 17-year-old D Gukesh became the first-ever teen winner and qualified for the World Championship. The tournament also witnessed an unprecedented Indian representation, with five players competing in both the Open and Women sections.

The AICF’s plan addresses key challenges, including integrating chess into school curricula, introducing chess e-learning, identifying and nurturing talent, strengthening grassroots academies, and ensuring the sustainability of the federation.

Key Initiatives:

* National Player Contracts: AICF will introduce two-year contracts for national-level players from U-7 to U-19 age groups, providing financial support ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. These players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like ‘Meet the Champions’ in educational institutions.
* Cash Rewards for Top Players: Cash rewards will be allocated to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their Fide rankings. The top five players will receive ₹25 lakhs, while those ranked between 6th and 10th will be rewarded ₹12.50 lakhs.
* Supporting State Associations: AICF will provide financial assistance to state associations over three years, with funds allocated for prize money, chess development activities, and establishing offices. Quarterly seminars will be conducted for capacity building.
* Women In Chess: The Smart Girl Program will be expanded with a minimum of 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant. Additionally, a 33% reservation for women will be implemented in key areas like coach and arbiter certification, participation in AICF-recognized events, and the Campus Ambassador Program.
* Incentivising Chess Content Creators: AICF will collaborate with Youtubers, influencers, and streamers to foster a thriving community of chess content creators. Mentorship from established creators will be provided to nurture new talent.
* National Chess Awards and Development Conference: Exceptional coaches and players will be honored, and industry leaders and universities will come together to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions.
* Corporate Chess League: Corporates will be allowed to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. A minimum prize money will be set for AICF-rated events. Bilateral competitions with other nations will be organized to enhance chess diplomacy.
* Chess Development Fund: This fund will support initiatives such as trainer training programs, coach certification, outreach efforts, and integrating chess into school curriculums.
* Corporate Partnerships: A management board will be established to collaborate with strategic partners and finance programs and initiatives, aiming for governance excellence and long-term sustainability.

AICF Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Indian Chess

AICF Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Indian Chess

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is determined to elevate the Indian chess landscape by hosting more international tournaments and launching a series of initiatives to nurture talent and expand the sport’s reach.

AICF President Nitin Narang announced plans to introduce an “AICF Super Tournament,” a unique platform that will provide Indian players with world-class competition and exposure. The tournament will feature a quota for Indian players, allowing them to compete alongside international stars.

Recognizing the need for increased opportunities, the AICF will also host a maximum number of AICF-rated tournaments, providing a competitive environment for players to hone their skills. The federation has allocated a record budget of Rs. 65 crore to support these initiatives.

To ensure equal opportunities, the AICF has pledged to eliminate gender disparities in prize money. Both male and female players will receive equal compensation in all tournaments and contracts.

The federation’s focus extends beyond elite players. It aims to strengthen the sport’s foundation by establishing district associations in every district, promoting chess in schools, and implementing an AICF rating system. This system will allow amateur players to get rated and participate in more tournaments, fostering a thriving chess ecosystem.

To address the lack of standardized academies, the AICF plans to launch 20 online academies and seek corporate support to establish 700 standardized academies across the country. These academies will provide training and support to young players, nurturing their talent and creating a pipeline of future champions.

The AICF’s comprehensive approach aims to transform the Indian chess landscape, providing opportunities for players of all levels, promoting the sport at the grassroots, and ensuring that India remains a global chess powerhouse.

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