AICF pledges financial aid of 2 crore to Praggnandhaaa, Vidit, and Vaishali

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is embarking on a historic journey to take Indian chess to new heights. In the past three years, the Indian chess landscape has undergone massive reforms, which are evident in its success across all fronts, from over-the-board play to seamless tournament organization. The recent successful hosting of the Chess Olympiad in Chennai made history and further solidified India's presence on the world stage. A handful of Indian players, inspired by the legacy of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, are carrying the torch forward and contributing to the nation's rising prominence in international chess.

In a strategic move, the federation has committed 2 crore INR of financial assistance for Grandmaster R Praggnandhaa, Grandmaster Vidit Gujarathi, and International Master Vaishali as they prepare for upcoming chess events, marking a historic chapter in Indian chess. President Sanjay Kapoor, speaking on behalf of the AICF, stated, "We recognize the immense potential of Praggnandhaaa, Vidit, and Vaishali to make history in the world of chess. Our financial backing is a strategic move to empower these exceptional players and ensure they have the support they need to chase victory and etch their names in the annals of chess greatness".

The financial assistance program will cover various expenses such as training camps, coaching fees, travel, and logistics to help the players focus solely on their game. This move comes after the players' recent achievements, including Praggnandhaa's second-place finish in the World Cup and Vidit and Vaishali's victories in both the Open and Women's categories at the World Grand Swiss.

Commenting on the initiative, Bharat Chauhan, Chairman of the FIDE Advisory Board, stated, "AICF's commitment to supporting and nurturing chess talent is commendable. This bold initiative will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of Indian chess on the global stage. The reforms in the Indian chess landscape are not only evident in their over-the-board success but also in the effective organization of tournaments, putting India at the forefront of the international chess community".

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has announced that it will be hosting five International Grandmaster Chess Tournaments in the next two months. This initiative is aimed at providing opportunities for the next generation of players to earn international title norms, which will contribute to the overall development of chess in India.