Tania Sachdev highlights lack of recognition for chess players in Delhi

Indian chess champion Tania Sachdev has taken to social media to express her disappointment with the lack of recognition from the Delhi government for her achievements in the sport. Despite representing India since 2008 and bringing home numerous medals, including a historic team bronze and individual medal at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, Tania feels that her efforts have gone unnoticed by her home state.

In a post on X, Tania called out the Delhi government for not supporting and celebrating their champions, stating that states that acknowledge their athletes inspire excellence and motivate talent. The two-time national champion and Arjuna awardee highlighted her achievements, including a historic Chess Olympiad gold in 2024, and expressed her hope that the Aam Aadmi Party and Chief Minister Atishi would recognize the value of supporting chess athletes.

CM Atishi responded promptly to Tania’s post, assuring her that the government has always supported athletes and expressing a desire to meet with Tania to discuss how more can be done for chess players in Delhi. Tania’s call for recognition also garnered support from world championship bronze medallist boxer Gaurav Bidhuri, who criticized the discrimination faced by athletes from Delhi and the lack of support from the state government.

As Tania Sachdev continues to push for acknowledgment of her achievements and those of other athletes in Delhi, the conversation around the importance of recognizing and supporting sports talent in India is gaining momentum. With the promise of a meeting with CM Atishi, Tania remains hopeful that her efforts will lead to positive change for chess players in the region.