Indian chess Grandmaster Tania Sachdev has expressed her frustration over the lack of recognition for chess players from Delhi, particularly in light of recent successes in the sport. Her comments come after a week of heightened attention on Indian chess, following Gukesh D’s victory in the FIDE World Chess Championships, which has significantly boosted the sport’s popularity across the nation.
A Plea for Recognition
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sachdev highlighted her disappointment with the Delhi government’s failure to acknowledge her achievements and those of other chess players. “Having played for India since 2008, it’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess,” she stated. She emphasized that states that celebrate their champions inspire excellence and motivate emerging talent, lamenting that Delhi has yet to take this step.Sachdev, who is a three-time Commonwealth Women’s Chess Championship winner and represented India in the 2024 Chess Olympiad, pointed out the stark contrast in recognition between her accomplishments and those received by Gukesh in his home state of Tamil Nadu. After winning a historic team bronze medal at the 2022 Chess Olympiad and an individual medal, she noted that there has been no acknowledgment from the Delhi government following her recent success in securing gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
Addressing the Authorities
Sachdev’s post specifically called out Delhi’s ruling party, tagging Chief Minister Atishi Marlena and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal. She urged them to place greater value on the chess players emerging from the capital. “As someone who proudly represents Delhi and India, I hope @AamAadmiParty @AtishiAAP ma’am @ArvindKejriwal sir see value in supporting their chess athletes,” she concluded.
Response from Authorities
In response to Sachdev’s post, Chief Minister Atishi acknowledged her concerns and expressed a willingness to engage further. She stated, “Hi Tania, we have always supported all our athletes, sportsmen and sportswomen, especially in our schools. Would love to meet you and understand what more can be done especially for chess players.” Atishi’s prompt reply indicates a potential dialogue aimed at improving support for chess athletes in Delhi.
The Bigger Picture
Sachdev’s call for recognition is part of a broader conversation about how state governments can better support their athletes. In previous discussions, she has pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu have produced numerous Grandmasters due to their robust support systems for chess players. She emphasized that without proper acknowledgment and encouragement from local authorities, it becomes challenging to inspire future generations to pursue excellence in sports.
Conclusion
Tania Sachdev’s passionate plea underscores the need for greater recognition of chess players’ contributions and achievements within their home states. As Indian chess continues to thrive on the global stage, it is crucial for local governments to celebrate and support their athletes to foster an environment where talent can flourish.
Disclaimer
This article compiles information from various sources regarding Tania Sachdev’s comments on the lack of recognition from the Delhi government and is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals mentioned and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
