Chess Olympiad 2024: AICF Announces Reward Of ₹3.2 Crore Indian Chess Teams For Creating History In Budapest

In a grand gesture celebrating a significant milestone in Indian chess history, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has declared a reward of ₹3.2 crore for the triumphant teams of the 45th Olympiad.

This announcement was made at a ceremonial event held in New Delhi on Wednesday (September 25), where India’s chess prodigies were felicitated for their exceptional performance.

The Indian contingents, both men and women, outshone their global competitors at the Chess Olympiad 2024, securing gold medals in a display of strategic brilliance and game mastery.

During this celebratory event, AICF president Nitin Narang lauded the efforts and achievements of the Indian chess teams. In his address, he stated, "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 further complimented the players, metaphorically describing them as "sharp -shooters on the chessboard," and acknowledged the foundational role of chess legend Vishwanathan Anand in this monumental success.

The rewards for the members of these victorious teams are substantial. Each player is set to receive ₹25 lakh, highlighting the federation's recognition of their hard work and success. Furthermore, the team captains, Abhijeet Kunte for the men and Srinath Narayanan for the women, will be honoured with ₹15 lakh each.

Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, who led the Indian delegation, is awarded ₹10 lakh, and the assistant coaches will receive ₹7.5 lakh each. This financial acknowledgement serves not only as a reward for the present achievement but also as an encouragement for the future of chess in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took the opportunity to personally congratulate the Olympiad winners, commending their dedication and the positive impact of their victory on Indian sports. This recognition from the highest level of government underscores the significance of their achievement and its contribution to India’s sporting legacy.

The path to victory at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest was marked by unforgettable performances. The men’s team, comprising D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, showcased their dominance by defeating Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh, in particular, was stellar, winning 10 out of 11 rounds and leading India to a near-perfect score of 21 points out of a possible 22.

Similarly, the women's team, featuring D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, clinched their gold by overcoming Azerbaijan in a closely contested final. Their victories not only marked their maiden gold medals but also symbolized the emergence of India as a formidable force in the world of chess.

AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel highlighted the significance of these achievements, stating, "In 97 years of Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It's a historic achievement."

Patel also expressed optimism about the future, believing that this success will ignite new enthusiasm among chess fans and aspiring players in India. He emphasized the federation's commitment to leveraging this momentum to nurture the next generation of chess talent.