The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is set to introduce a new franchise-based league, the Indian Chess League, which is slated to launch in December this year. Following in the footsteps of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL), the new league aims to revolutionize the face of Indian chess.
AICF President Sanjay Kapoor expressed his vision for the league, stating, We have to change the face of Indian chess. It will be like the IPL. The league is expected to feature 6-8 teams, each vying for the championship title.
In a bid to encourage and support state chess associations, Kapoor announced that every association will receive an annual grant of Rs seven lakh. He further stated that with the implementation of his blueprint, state bodies could anticipate receiving approximately Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia over the next three to four years. Additionally, the AICF plans to purchase and distribute 6,000-7,000 chess boards to state associations.
To ensure the professional management of the sport nationwide, the AICF will establish a management board. Kapoor emphasized the necessity of a change in mindset in order to foster growth, stating, We have to change our mindset to grow. We’ve got to think about our lacunas, our shortcomings, and we have to work on that all the time. In three years’ time, we will not need any government funding.
When questioned about the involvement of Indian chess legends such as Viswanathan Anand and Humpy, Kapoor affirmed their support for the venture. Anand, who is currently the deputy president of the international chess federation FIDE, is an integral part of the AICF. Kapoor acknowledged Anand’s significance, describing him as an icon whose involvement is crucial to the development of Indian chess.
The introduction of the Indian Chess League represents a significant step forward for the sport in India. By emulating the successful model of the IPL, the AICF aims to attract more attention and investment to chess, ultimately propelling it to new heights. The league offers a groundbreaking platform for players and fans alike to engage with the sport in a fresh and exciting manner.
With the implementation of the league, chess enthusiasts and supporters can look forward to a new era for chess in India. The combination of professional management, financial assistance to state associations, and the inclusion of esteemed Indian chess legends promises to reshape and elevate the sport’s status within the country. As the December launch date draws near, all eyes will be on the Indian Chess League and the impact it will have on the future of chess competition in India.
