An increase of Rs 42.3 crore! The Indian Chess Federation announces a massive financial push for miracles

School students hold posters designed on a chess board to welcome Indian chess grandmaster Dommaraja Gukesh after his candidates win. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has announced financial support for 42 of India’s most promising young chess players to help them pursue the sport without worrying about training and competition expenses.On World Chess Day, the federation released quarterly scholarships worth Rs 42.3 million to players in the age groups of 7 to 19 years in both Open and Girls categories. The players were selected based on their performances in the 2024 national championships, receiving between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh each. Calling it a landmark move, AICF President Nitin Narang said, “Today is World Chess Day and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) is pleased to release additional quarterly scholarships ranging from ₹ 60,000 to ₹ 1,50,000, totaling ₹ 407,000 to 19,90,000 players in the U2 (Open and Girls) categories, based on their performance at the National Championships in 2024.”Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, he added, “This is the first time in the history of Indian chess that our players and prodigies are getting such financial support so that they do not have to give up their passion due to financial constraints.”According to the federation, the money is to cover the cost of coaching and travel expenses, which will allow young players to compete in international tournaments and improve their game. Narang said, “These scholarships will support their coaching and travel needs, enable them to compete globally and confidently pursue higher goals.”He also described the program as part of AICF’s long-term efforts to build a stronger grassroots system, saying, “This is part of AICF’s ambitious plan to create a robust ecosystem for chess in India, inspired by Prime Minister Aadarniya Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen it and encourage athletes at the grassroots level.”Encouraging aspiring players, he concluded, “If chess is your dream, go for it. We’re with you.”