The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has announced financial support for 42 of India’s most promising young chess players, aiming to help them continue playing the sport without having to worry about the cost of training and competing.On World Chess Day, the International Chess Federation distributed quarterly scholarships worth Rs 4.23 million to players in the under-7 to under-19 age groups, covering both open and women’s categories. The players have been selected based on their performance at the 2024 national championship and will receive prize money of between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh each. Calling this a landmark step, AICF President Nitin Narang said, “Today is World Chess Day and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) is pleased to field 42 top players in the 2024 National Championship based on U7 to U19 categories (Open and Women’s categories).”Highlighting the importance of this initiative, he added: “This is the first time in the history of Indian chess that our players and talents are getting so much financial support so that they do not have to give up their passion due to financial constraints.”According to the federation, the money is intended to cover coaching and travel costs to enable young players to compete in international tournaments and improve their game. “These scholarships will support their coaching and travel needs, allowing them to compete globally and pursue higher goals with confidence,” Narang said.He also described the program as part of AICF’s long-term efforts to build a stronger grassroots system and said: “This is part of AICF’s ambitious plan to create a strong chess ecosystem in India, inspired by Adarnia Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s vision of empowering and encouraging grassroots athletes.”He encouraged aspiring players, concluding: “If chess is your dream, then go after it. We are with you.”
