IM Tania Sachdev Lambasts Delhi Government For Ignoring Chess Players; Delhi CM Responds

Indian IM and WGM Tania Sachdev aired out her frustrations over the lack of recognition chess athletes are subjected to by the Delhi Government and called for change, prompting Delhi CM Atishi Singh to respond to her call.

With the craze for chess at an all-time high in the nation owing to Gukesh’s historic win last week at the World Chess Championship, the conversations regarding support for chess athletes has come up to the surface.

Sachdev, who was a part of the gold medal winning Indian Women’s Team in the Chess Olympiad 2024, aired out her frustrations over the lack of recognition and celebration of chess athletes in the nation’s capital, New Delhi.

“Having played for India since 2008 It’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. States that support and celebrate their champions, directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Sadly, Delhi has yet to take this step.” the world No. 53 and India No.5 Tania Sachdev wrote on X.

She also urged Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh and Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal to extend more support to chess athletes in order to nurture their growth.

“In 2022 Chess Olympiad I came back with a historic team bronze and an individual medal. Two years later 2024, the historic Chess Olympic gold, and till date there has been no acknowledgment or recognition by the state govt. As someone who proudly represents Delhi and India, I hope @AamAadmiParty @AtishiAAP ma’am @ArvindKejriwal sir see value in supporting their chess athletes.”

CM Atishi took notice and responded to the Indian IM, stating that provisions have been set in place for chess athletes, but also invited her for a conversation to understand what more could be done for the sport in the nation’s capital.

D Gukesh who, at 18 years of age, became the youngest-ever World Champion was celebrated and welcomed back to his hometown of Chennai thie past week, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin annouincing a INR 5 Crore cash reward for his exploits.