“Abhijeet Gupta Declares He Will Not Compete in Odisha Events Amid Prize Money Controversy”

“I Would Not Participate in Events in Odisha”: Abhijeet Gupta’s Bold Stand Amid Prize Money Controversy

Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In a striking revelation that has sent ripples through the chess community, Arjuna Award-winning Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has declared he will not participate in any future tournaments organized by the All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA) until significant changes are made in its leadership. This decision comes in the wake of Gupta’s ongoing struggle to receive his prize money from the 16th International Grandmaster Chess Festival, also known as the Odisha Open, held from January 16 to 24, 2026.

Gupta, who clinched victory in the ‘Category A’ section of the tournament with an impressive score of 8/10, was promised a prize of Rs 5.5 lakh. However, more than three months later, he, along with other participants, is still awaiting payment from the AOCA, which has left a total prize fund of Rs 45 lakh untransferred.

Taking to social media, Gupta expressed his frustration, stating, “As a sportsperson, you learn to accept losses more often than victories. But what hurts even more is winning and still not receiving what you rightfully earned.” His post tagged various stakeholders, including Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the All India Chess Federation (AICF), highlighting the dire situation.

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Gupta elaborated on his decision, emphasizing that while he has faced payment delays before, the current situation has crossed all limits. “There was always some communication about delays, which is understandable. But this has been happening repeatedly without any updates,” he lamented.

Calls for Financial Guarantees

Gupta’s concerns extend beyond his own experience. He pointed out that the AOCA has been embroiled in internal conflicts, leading to a frozen bank account and a lack of financial stability. He believes that the AICF must ensure that tournaments like the Odisha Open have a financial guarantee to protect players from such predicaments.

“The tournament was announced and held amid ongoing disputes. The federation should either resolve these issues or prevent such events from being organized,” Gupta asserted. He criticized the AICF for allowing tournaments to proceed without adequate financial oversight, stating, “If they could do on a scale of 1 to 10, probably they are doing 1.”

Impact on Young Talent

The controversy raises significant concerns about the future of chess in India, particularly for young players who look up to established Grandmasters like Gupta. He fears that the ongoing issues could demoralize aspiring talents, making them question their commitment to the sport. “If I, as a Grandmaster, cannot secure my dues, what message does that send to young players?” he questioned.

Despite the turmoil, Gupta remains optimistic about the future of Indian chess, attributing its growth to the dedication of players rather than the federation’s efforts. “I feel this boom is because of the hard work and sacrifices of the players. It’s not because of the federation,” he concluded.

As the chess community watches closely, Gupta’s bold stance serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face and the urgent need for reform in the administration of sports in India. The hope is that his actions will inspire change, ensuring that players receive the recognition and rewards they rightfully deserve.