AICF President Nitin Narang Sets Rs 65 Crore Budget for Chess Growth

In a significant move to elevate the status of chess in India, Nitin Narang, the president of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF), unveiled a comprehensive Rs 65 crore budget on Saturday. This ambitious financial plan is designed to enhance the Bharatiya Chess ecosystem, providing substantial support to both professional and grassroots level players. The announcement came after a detailed meeting that focused on several key initiatives aimed at promoting chess across the nation.

Among the major initiatives announced were the launch of AICF Pro and AICF Popular programs. These are intended to spread the game of chess far and wide, ensuring it reaches every corner of the country. Additionally, a chess development fund and a state-of-the-art National Chess Arena (NCA) for elite training were proposed. The federation also plans to introduce player contracts and coaching across various levels, alongside financial support for district and state associations.

The AICF has outlined several innovative strategies to boost chess participation and performance in India. One such initiative is "One Nation, One Registration," an online platform facilitating seamless player registration with unique login credentials for State Associations at no cost. This move is expected to significantly enhance participation rates.

Financial incentives are also a part of the federation's strategy. National-level players across age groups from U-7 to U-19 will be offered two-year contracts, with funds disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer under relevant categories. Furthermore, the top 20 FIDE-rated Indian chess players will be recognized with cash rewards, with the top five male and female players receiving Rs 25,00,000 each, and those ranked 6th to 10th awarded Rs 12,50,000 each.

State Associations will not be left behind in this financial upliftment. The AICF has committed to supporting these associations over three years with substantial funding. Additionally, a special focus on women in chess aims to enhance inclusivity through the expansion of the Smart Girl Program and a 33% reservation for women in several key areas.

Supporting Chess Content Creation and Social Initiatives

The federation is also keen on enhancing chess content creation by collaborating with YouTubers, Influencers, and Streamers. This effort includes mentorship programs for new creators to foster a thriving community around chess content creation.

Apart from these initiatives, the AICF plans to host a National Chess Awards and Development Conference to honor exceptional coaches and players while advancing chess through strategic workshops and discussions. The introduction of a corporate chess league is another innovative step allowing corporates to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members.

Future Plans and Challenges

Nitin Narang highlighted several challenges that need addressing, including integrating chess into school curricula and strengthening grassroots academies. He emphasized that players are at the heart of these initiatives, acknowledging the compromises many have had to make due to lack of funds and opportunities.

"My mission is to bring chess to every household, with the motto Ghar Ghar Chess - Har Ghar Chess," Narang stated. With plans to support state associations with up to Rs 15 lakhs over three years and initiate national-level player contracts worth 2 crores across age groups under AICF Pro, Narang's vision is clear. He aims for India not just to play chess but excel at it globally, aspiring for the country to emerge as a nation of grandmasters.

This comprehensive budget and series of initiatives mark a significant step towards achieving that goal, ensuring that chess is not only widely played but also celebrated across India.