The key initiatives discussed on the occasion were aimed at strengthening the Indian chess ecosystem by providing financial and institutional support to grassroots players along with public relations.
The introduction of programs like AICF Pro and AIC Popular for national level players will make the vision of “Chess at Every Home” a reality in homes.
Several proposals including Chess Development Fund, introduction of strong financial support along with player contracts and coaching at all levels, providing financial support to District and State Associations, setting up of a state-of-the-art National Chess Arena (NCA) for elite level training, etc. The AICF rating system exclusive to India will serve as a ground-breaking initiative and boost the growth of the Indian chess ecosystem in the years to come. Commenting on the initiative, Narang said, “Players are at the center of chess and Many people have to compromise on their passion due to lack of funding, institutional support and opportunities.I am committed to making any player's dream come true through the myriad of initiatives launched today in our Rs 65 crore budget.
“We are setting up a Chess Development Fund to ensure that we empower grassroots players and bring them to the global level of excellence. My mission is based on the motto of 'Ghar-Ghar Shatranj, Har Ghar Shatranj' We have to take chess to every home and we are the first federation to directly support the district associations.
“We will also support the state associations for three years with assistance up to Rs 1 lakh, and launch an India-specific player national tournament for 42 players with a budget outlay of Rs 2 crore across age groups under AICF Pro. Players of the level will start the contract.ranking system," he said. "The top 20 FIDE-rated players will get annual contracts worth Rs 25,00,000 and Rs 12,50,000 per year, totaling Rs 4 crore. We want chess to be played in every home, from youth to generations. “I want to see India emerge as a Grandmaster nation with special focus on involving senior citizens and women.”
Other key initiatives announced on the occasion include:
'One Nation, One Registration', an innovative online platform to facilitate seamless registration of players, includes unique login credentials for State Associations at no cost to enhance participation.It is also introducing a proprietary rating system for school and grassroots tournaments to increase revenue and transparency. The AICF will offer a two-year contract for national-level players from U-19 age groups, with a salary of Rs. The funds will be distributed from. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000 players through direct benefit transfer under relevant categories. The players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like 'Meet the Champions' in educational institutions.
Cash Prize for Top 20 Chess Players To recognize and reward excellence in chess, cash prizes are allotted to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their FIDE ranking.The top five men's and women's players will each get Rs 25,00,000, while the players ranked sixth to 10th will each be awarded Rs 12,50,000.
AICF will commit to financially support the state associations for three years – Year 1: Rs 12,50,000; Year 2: 12,50,000; Year 3: Rs 15,00,000 – Allocated support towards prize money, chess development activities, an establishment office. Quarterly seminars will be organized for capacity building, covering topics such as sponsorship and governance.
Women in Chess aims to increase inclusivity and opportunities for women in chess by expanding the Smart Girl program with at least 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant.
Further strengthening this commitment, 33% reservation has been given for women in several key areas such as certification for coaches and mediators, participation of women mediators in AICF-accredited programs and inclusion in the Campus Ambassador programme.Empowering and encouraging chess content creators to increase chess content creation by collaborating with YouTubers, Influencers and Streamers, promoting new creators through mentorship from established content creators, and nurturing a thriving community of chess content creators.
The National Chess Awards and Development Conference brings together industry leaders and universities to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions, honoring exceptional coaches and players and recognizing significant contributions to both the sport and social development. Have taken.
The Corporate Chess League is an innovative step where AICF will allot corporates to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. Minimum prize money will be determined for AICF-rated events. Additionally, it plans to organize bilateral competitions with other countries to enhance chess diplomacy and elevate its brand profile. AICF's social initiatives aim to advance the social agenda using chess, including Programs include programs for women, persons with disabilities ("Wheelchair Chess Program" in collaboration with NGOs), senior citizens ("Checkmate Dementia", a community-level program).Chess Initiative), Youth at Risk, as well as Chess in Prison Initiative and Chess for Tribe India.
A Chess Development Fund will support initiatives such as train training programs, coach certification and outreach efforts, including workshops and conferences. Its aim is to integrate chess into the school curriculum and provide resources tailored to female players and different social sectors.
A Management Board, appointed by the AICF President, will be composed of experienced corporate professionals from various sectors. AICF plans to collaborate with strategic partners to finance its programs and initiatives with the goal of governance excellence and long-term sustainability.Narang points out four important challenges that need to be addressed: integration of chess in the school curriculum, introduction of chess e-learning in the curriculum (chess in education), identification and nurturing of talent, grassroots academies and training institutes. Strengthening, stability of All India Chess Federation (AICF).
These issues informed the development of their initiative, which is designed to broaden the appeal of sport across generations and overcome socio-economic barriers while promoting both excellence and inclusivity.
The introduction of programs like AICF Pro and AIC Popular for national level players will make the vision of “Chess at Every Home” a reality in homes.
Several proposals including Chess Development Fund, introduction of strong financial support along with player contracts and coaching at all levels, providing financial support to District and State Associations, setting up of a state-of-the-art National Chess Arena (NCA) for elite level training, etc. The AICF rating system exclusive to India will serve as a ground-breaking initiative and boost the growth of the Indian chess ecosystem in the years to come. Commenting on the initiative, Narang said, “Players are at the center of chess and Many people have to compromise on their passion due to lack of funding, institutional support and opportunities.I am committed to making any player's dream come true through the myriad of initiatives launched today in our Rs 65 crore budget.
“We are setting up a Chess Development Fund to ensure that we empower grassroots players and bring them to the global level of excellence. My mission is based on the motto of 'Ghar-Ghar Shatranj, Har Ghar Shatranj' We have to take chess to every home and we are the first federation to directly support the district associations.
“We will also support the state associations for three years with assistance up to Rs 1 lakh, and launch an India-specific player national tournament for 42 players with a budget outlay of Rs 2 crore across age groups under AICF Pro. Players of the level will start the contract.ranking system," he said. "The top 20 FIDE-rated players will get annual contracts worth Rs 25,00,000 and Rs 12,50,000 per year, totaling Rs 4 crore. We want chess to be played in every home, from youth to generations. “I want to see India emerge as a Grandmaster nation with special focus on involving senior citizens and women.”
Other key initiatives announced on the occasion include:
'One Nation, One Registration', an innovative online platform to facilitate seamless registration of players, includes unique login credentials for State Associations at no cost to enhance participation.It is also introducing a proprietary rating system for school and grassroots tournaments to increase revenue and transparency. The AICF will offer a two-year contract for national-level players from U-19 age groups, with a salary of Rs. The funds will be distributed from. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000 players through direct benefit transfer under relevant categories. The players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like 'Meet the Champions' in educational institutions.
Cash Prize for Top 20 Chess Players To recognize and reward excellence in chess, cash prizes are allotted to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their FIDE ranking.The top five men's and women's players will each get Rs 25,00,000, while the players ranked sixth to 10th will each be awarded Rs 12,50,000.
AICF will commit to financially support the state associations for three years – Year 1: Rs 12,50,000; Year 2: 12,50,000; Year 3: Rs 15,00,000 – Allocated support towards prize money, chess development activities, an establishment office. Quarterly seminars will be organized for capacity building, covering topics such as sponsorship and governance.
Women in Chess aims to increase inclusivity and opportunities for women in chess by expanding the Smart Girl program with at least 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant.
Further strengthening this commitment, 33% reservation has been given for women in several key areas such as certification for coaches and mediators, participation of women mediators in AICF-accredited programs and inclusion in the Campus Ambassador programme.Empowering and encouraging chess content creators to increase chess content creation by collaborating with YouTubers, Influencers and Streamers, promoting new creators through mentorship from established content creators, and nurturing a thriving community of chess content creators.
The National Chess Awards and Development Conference brings together industry leaders and universities to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions, honoring exceptional coaches and players and recognizing significant contributions to both the sport and social development. Have taken.
The Corporate Chess League is an innovative step where AICF will allot corporates to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. Minimum prize money will be determined for AICF-rated events. Additionally, it plans to organize bilateral competitions with other countries to enhance chess diplomacy and elevate its brand profile. AICF's social initiatives aim to advance the social agenda using chess, including Programs include programs for women, persons with disabilities ("Wheelchair Chess Program" in collaboration with NGOs), senior citizens ("Checkmate Dementia", a community-level program).Chess Initiative), Youth at Risk, as well as Chess in Prison Initiative and Chess for Tribe India.
A Chess Development Fund will support initiatives such as train training programs, coach certification and outreach efforts, including workshops and conferences. Its aim is to integrate chess into the school curriculum and provide resources tailored to female players and different social sectors.
A Management Board, appointed by the AICF President, will be composed of experienced corporate professionals from various sectors. AICF plans to collaborate with strategic partners to finance its programs and initiatives with the goal of governance excellence and long-term sustainability.Narang points out four important challenges that need to be addressed: integration of chess in the school curriculum, introduction of chess e-learning in the curriculum (chess in education), identification and nurturing of talent, grassroots academies and training institutes. Strengthening, stability of All India Chess Federation (AICF).
These issues informed the development of their initiative, which is designed to broaden the appeal of sport across generations and overcome socio-economic barriers while promoting both excellence and inclusivity.
