India's chess stars are shining brighter than ever! After their historic double gold victory at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has announced a whopping Rs 3.2 crore in rewards for the triumphant teams.
The men's and women's teams, who made history by clinching their maiden gold medals at the prestigious event, will be handsomely rewarded for their exceptional performance. Each player from both winning teams will receive a whopping Rs 25 lakh, a testament to their dedication and skill.
But the generosity doesn't stop there! The coaches who guided these champions to victory, Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan, will each receive Rs 15 lakh. Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, head of the Indian delegation, will be awarded Rs 10 lakh, while the assistant coaches will take home Rs 7.5 lakh each.
This grand gesture by the AICF not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of the players but also aims to fuel the growth of chess in India. AICF President Nitin Narang, during the felicitation ceremony, proudly stated that the "seeds planted by Vishwanathan Anand have grown into a forest."
The historic twin gold medals, a first in the 97 years of the Chess Olympiad, are expected to spark a chess revolution in the country. AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel believes this victory will inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts and further elevate India's position on the global chessboard.
The men's team, featuring rising stars like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, dominated the tournament, culminating in a final victory against Slovenia. Gukesh, the team's standout performer, emerged victorious in 10 out of 11 rounds, securing India's top spot with an impressive 21 points.
The women's team, led by the experienced D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, also showcased their prowess, defeating Azerbaijan in a nail-biting final.
With this well-deserved recognition and reward, India's chess prodigies are set to continue their winning streak, inspiring a nation and leaving their mark on the world stage.
#ChessOlympiad #IndianChess #GoldMedalists #AICF
