AICF Announces ₹3.2 Crore Rewards for Historic 45th Olympiad-Winning Indian Teams
India Makes History at Chess Olympiad, Receives ₹3.2 Crore in Rewards
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) made a historic announcement during a felicitation ceremony, awarding a whopping ₹3.2 crore in rewards to the victorious Indian teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad. The event, held in Budapest, saw both the men’s and women’s teams clinch their maiden gold medals, marking a monumental achievement in Indian chess.
AICF president Nitin Narang announced the rewards, with each player from the winning teams set to receive ₹25 lakh. Captains Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan will be rewarded with ₹15 lakh each, while head of the Indian delegation Dibyendu Barua will receive ₹10 lakh. Assistant coaches will also be rewarded with ₹7.5 lakh each.
“The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues. In the open section we dominated and in women’s section we owned it,” said AICF president Narang during the felicitation ceremony. “Our players are sharp shooters on the chessboard. The seeds planted by Vishwanathan Anand have grown into a forest.”
AICF secretary general Dev A Patel expressed his excitement over the historic twin gold medals, stating that it will help bring a chess revolution in the country. “In 97 years of Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It’s a historic achievement,” Patel said. “This will give a new spark to chess enthusiasts. We will look to use this momentum to encourage the next generation of chess players.”
The men’s team, featuring D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, displayed dominance throughout the Olympiad, securing the gold medal by defeating Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh, the star performer, won 10 out of 11 rounds, leading India to the top with 21 out of a possible 22 points.
The women’s team, led by D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan in a tense final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the champions, praising their dedication and impact on Indian sports.
The historic achievement at the Chess Olympiad has not only brought glory to India but has also set the stage for a new era of chess excellence in the country.