The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has announced a grand reward of Rs 3.2 crore for India’s victorious chess teams following their historic gold medal win at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. The announcement was made during a felicitation ceremony, marking a proud moment for Indian chess.
Rs 25 Lakh for each Indian Chess player
Each player from both the men’s and women’s gold medal-winning teams will receive Rs 25 lakh as part of the cash bonanza. The men’s team, which featured rising stars such as D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, showcased their skill and determination, defeating Slovenia in the final round to clinch gold. The women’s team, led by D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, emerged victorious on a nail-biting final day against Azerbaijan.
Chess Olympiad coaches rewarded for guidance
The success of the Indian teams was not only a result of the players’ performance but also the guidance of their coaches. Abhijeet Kunte, coach of the men’s team, and Srinath Narayanan, who guided the women’s team, will each be awarded Rs 15 lakh for their invaluable support and strategic input throughout the tournament.
Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua honoured
Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, the head of the Indian delegation at the Olympiad, played a key role in managing the team during the tournament. In recognition of his contributions, Barua will receive Rs 10 lakh as part of the overall reward package.
Assistant coaches also rewarded
The assistant coaches of both the men’s and women’s teams will not go unnoticed. Each of the assistant coaches will receive Rs 7.5 lakh for their efforts in preparing the teams for the historic victory.
New Era for Indian Chess after Olympiad win
At the ceremony, AICF president Nitin Narang expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues. Our players are sharp shooters on the chessboard. The seeds planted by Vishwanathan Anand have grown into a forest.”
AICF secretary general Dev A Patel also emphasised the significance of the achievement, describing it as a “historic moment” for Indian chess. He further added, “This victory will spark a chess revolution in India, and we hope it will inspire the next generation of chess enthusiasts.”
Historic win for India in Chess Olympiad
India’s twin gold medal victory at the Chess Olympiad is a momentous achievement. The men’s team dominated the competition, finishing with 21 out of 22 points, while the women’s team battled fiercely to claim their gold. This success marks the first time in 97 years that India has won gold in both categories of the Chess Olympiad.
As India celebrates this triumph, the AICF’s generous reward is not only a recognition of the players’ hard work but also a significant step towards fostering the growth of chess in the country. The future of Indian chess looks bright, and this victory will undoubtedly inspire many more to take up the game.
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