She urged Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national coordinator Arvind Kejriwal to “see the value of supporting chess players”.
Indian chess player and women grandmaster Tania Sachdev expressed disappointment with the Delhi government for not supporting chess, saying that she was not recognized for her good performance in international competitions like the Chess Olympiad.
Tania, who took to X, said that she did not get any approval or recognition from the government even though she returned after two years after winning the bronze medal for the women’s team in the 2022 Chess Olympiad and the historic Chess Olympiad. She also said that states support and celebrate their champions, “directly inspire excellence and inspire talent”.
She urged Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national coordinator Arvind Kejriwal to “see the value of supporting chess players”. “It is disheartening to see the lack of recognition by the Delhi government for the achievements in chess playing for India since 2008. States that support and celebrate their champions directly inspire excellence and inspire talent.
Sadly, Delhi is yet to take this step as I returned with a historic team bronze and individual medals at the 2022 Chess Olympiad. Two years later, 2024, the historic chess Olympic gold, and to date there is no acknowledgment or recognition by the state government. As someone who proudly represents Delhi & India, I hope @AamAadmiParty @AtishiAAPma’am @ArvindKejriwal sir sees the value in supporting their chess athletes,” Sachdev posted on X.
Having played for India since 2008, it is disappointing to see the lack of recognition by the Delhi government for his achievements in chess. States that support and celebrate their champions, directly inspire excellence and talent. Unfortunately, Delhi is yet to take this step… — Tania Sachdev (@TaniaSachdev) December 23, 2024
Responding to the women grandmaster’s post, Delhi CM Atishi said, “Hi Tania, we have always supported all our athletes, players and sportspersons, especially in our schools. Want to meet you and understand what can be done especially for chess players. My office Will reach out to you and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.”
At the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary in September this year, India won historic gold medals in the men’s and women’s events for the first time. The US won second in the men’s event and bronze in the women’s event. On the men’s side, Uzbekistan won the bronze medal, while on the women’s side, Kazakhstan won the silver medal.
India’s men’s team of D Gukesh, R Pragyanandha, Arjun Irigaisi, Vidit Gujarathi and Pentala Harikrishna won the gold medal by defeating Slovenia in the final stage of the tournament.
D Gukesh and Arjun Irigaisi’s wins gave India a 2-0 lead and secured the gold medal. Later in the final round, Pragyandha also won his match, and Vidit ended his bout in a draw. India beat Slovenia 3.5-0.5 to win the gold medal.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s chess team of Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Aggarwal and Tania Sachdev also won the gold by beating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. In the final round, Harika Dronballi, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Aggarwal won their matches. Whereas, R. Vaishali drew with Ulvia Fataliyeva.
(This story was not edited by DNA staff and was published by ANI)