Historic Gold for India at Chess Olympiad: Rewards and Recognition from AICF – 2024

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) recently announced an impressive reward of ₹3.2 crore for the Indian teams that emerged victorious at the Chess Olympiad, as AICF president Nitin Narang shared during a celebratory ceremony on Wednesday. This momentous occasion not only highlights the incredible achievements of Indian chess players but also sets a precedent for the sport’s future in the country.

In recognition of their outstanding performances, each player from the winning teams will receive ₹25 lakh. The coaches of the men’s and women’s teams, Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan, will each be rewarded with ₹15 lakh. Additionally, Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, who led the Indian delegation, will be awarded ₹10 lakh, while the assistant coaches will receive ₹7.5 lakh each. This substantial financial reward underscores the AICF’s commitment to acknowledging and promoting excellence in chess.

During the felicitation, Narang expressed his pride in the achievements of the teams. “The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues. In the open section, we dominated, and in the women’s section, we owned it,” he stated. He likened the players to “sharp shooters on the chessboard,” drawing a parallel between their skill and precision in the game. Narang also acknowledged the foundational role played by chess legend Vishwanathan Anand, stating that the seeds he planted have now grown into a forest of talent.

AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the historic significance of winning gold medals in both categories at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. “In 97 years of the Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It’s a historic achievement,” Patel remarked. He noted that this success would serve as a catalyst for a chess revolution in India, igniting new interest and enthusiasm for the game among aspiring players.

The twin gold medals are particularly noteworthy, as they mark the first time India has clinched gold in both the men’s and women’s sections of the Olympiad. The men’s team, which included rising stars like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, displayed remarkable skill and dominance throughout the tournament. They faced Slovenia in the final round, showcasing their strategic prowess and teamwork. D Gukesh emerged as the standout performer, winning an impressive 10 out of 11 rounds, which significantly contributed to India’s overall score of 21 points out of a possible 22.

The women’s team also made history by securing their gold medal in a gripping final against Azerbaijan. Led by D Harika, with contributions from Tania Sachdev and R Vaishali, the women’s team exhibited resilience and skill in a tense match, ultimately clinching victory and adding to the excitement surrounding Indian chess.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the champions earlier on Wednesday, praising their dedication and the positive impact they have had on Indian sports. His acknowledgment not only boosts the morale of the players but also elevates the profile of chess in India, inspiring a new generation of players to pursue excellence in the sport.

The impact of these achievements extends beyond individual rewards; they signal a broader cultural shift in how chess is perceived in India. With the backing of organizations like the AICF and the enthusiasm generated by recent successes, there is a strong potential for a chess revolution that encourages greater participation at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions.

This monumental achievement serves as a reminder of the hard work, discipline, and commitment that goes into becoming a top chess player. The recognition and rewards given to the Olympiad-winning teams will likely inspire young enthusiasts to take up the game, providing them with role models to look up to in figures like Gukesh, Harika, and their teammates.

The AICF’s plans to leverage this momentum to encourage the next generation of chess players is crucial for sustaining interest and growth in the sport. Initiatives aimed at schools and community programs could help cultivate talent from a young age, ensuring that India’s chess legacy continues to flourish.

As the chess community reflects on this historic moment, the sentiment is clear: the journey of Indian chess is just beginning. With a renewed focus on development, recognition of talent, and support from the highest levels of government, the future looks bright for Indian chess on the global stage. The gold medals won in Budapest are not just trophies; they are symbols of hope, ambition, and the incredible potential that lies within India’s chess players.

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