Chess Player Tania Sachdev Criticizes Delhi Government

New Delhi: In a recent turn of events, Indian chess player and Women Grandmaster Tania Sachdev has raised concerns about the lack of recognition and support from the Delhi government. Expressing her disappointment, Tania pointed out that despite her significant achievements in international chess tournaments, including winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Chess Olympiad and a historic gold medal in the 2024 Chess Olympiad, she had not received any acknowledgment from the Delhi government.

Tania took to social media to voice her concerns, highlighting that while states across India celebrate and support their champions, Delhi’s response has been lackluster. She urged Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to pay attention to this issue and extend the necessary recognition to chess players, particularly for their contributions to the sport.

In her response, Chief Minister Atishi assured Tania that the Delhi government has always supported athletes, especially those from schools. She expressed her eagerness to meet with Tania and discuss ways to further support chess players in the city. Atishi stated that her office would reach out to Tania, showing an openness to understanding her concerns and ideas for better support of the chess community.

The exchange between Tania Sachdev and Chief Minister Atishi has sparked a conversation about the importance of recognizing and supporting athletes in all fields, particularly those excelling in less mainstream sports like chess. Tania’s call for more recognition comes at a time when the country is increasingly recognizing the value of non-cricket sports, and her achievements at the Chess Olympiads have brought attention to the need for greater government support in the world of chess. The interaction also opens the door for further dialogue on how state governments can better foster talent in chess and other intellectual sports.