NEW DELHI: Indian chess grandmaster and international master Tania Sachdev has taken to social media to express her disappointment over the lack of recognition for chess players from the Delhi government. In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Sachdev highlighted the stark contrast between the celebration of chess achievements in states like Tamil Nadu and the neglect faced by players in Delhi.
“Having played for India since 2008, it’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess,” Sachdev wrote. “States that support and celebrate their champions directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Sadly, Delhi has yet to take this step.”
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Sachdev’s comments come amidst a surge in Indian chess’s popularity, spurred by Gukesh D’s victory at the FIDE World Chess Championships. While Gukesh received a grand reception in Chennai, Sachdev’s achievements including being a three-time Commonwealth Women’s Chess Champion and part of the gold medal-winning 2024 Chess Olympiad team have gone largely unnoticed by her home state.
“In the 2022 Chess Olympiad, I came back with a historic team bronze and an individual medal,” Sachdev reminded her followers. “Two years later, in 2024, we secured the historic Chess Olympiad gold, and yet there has been no acknowledgement or recognition by the state government.”
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Sachdev played a pivotal role in the Olympiad team, which included Harika Dronavalli, Divya Deshmukh, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Vantika Agrawal. Her contributions helped secure India’s first gold in the event, a monumental achievement for Indian chess.
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
In…
— Tania Sachdev (@TaniaSachdev) December 23, 2024
Addressing her concerns directly to the Delhi government, Sachdev tagged the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, and Arvind Kejriwal in her post. “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.
Sachdev’s post has sparked conversations about the uneven recognition of sports achievements in India, with some states lauded for their proactive encouragement and others criticized for neglect. Her plea underscores the need for institutional support to nurture and celebrate talent, especially in sports like chess, which often fall outside the limelight of cricket and football.
As Indian chess continues to rise globally, voices like Sachdev’s highlight the importance of equitable recognition and support for all athletes, regardless of their sport or state of origin.