Delhi CM Atishi Responds After Chess Player Tania Sachdev Laments Lack of Recognition From State Government

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Delhi chief minister Atishi has responded to Indian chess player Tania Sachdev after the Chess Olympiad gold winner had on Monday (December 23) lamented the "lack of recognition" of her achievemnts from the state government.

The 38-year-old Arjuna Awardee, who is based in the national capital, had said the Delhi government is yet to acknowledge her achievements - a bronze in 2022 Chess Olympiad and the historic gold in the same competition earlier this year.

Tania took to social media on Monday (December 23) morning to express her displeasure on the lack of recognition of her achievements in Chess by the Delhi government, saying state support plays a big motivating factor for talents.

"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," she posted on her 'X' account.

"In 2022 Chess Olympiad I came back with a historic team bronze and an individual medal. Two years later 2024, the historic Chess Olympic gold, and till date there has been no acknowledgment or recognition by the state govt," she said.

She had tagged Atishi and her ruling Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, urging them to support the state's chess players, prompting the Delhi CM to reach out to her for "thoughts and suggestions" on the matter.

In response to Tania's post, Atishi responded by inviting the chess player for a conversation, while insisting that her government has been supportive of sporting talent.

"Hi Tania, we have always supported all our athletes, sportsmen and sportswomen, especially in our schools. Would love to meet you and understand what more can be done especially for chess players. My office will reach out to you and I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions," Atishi said.

Sachdev was part of the team that also comprised D Harika, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal that claimed the top honours in the women's event of the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.

It was the first time that the country had won the top award. The other four players were rewarded for the historic feat by their respective state governments following the gold medal win earlier this year.

Vaishali, who hails from Tamil Nadu, and the Telangana-based Harika were awarded Rs 25 lakh each by their respective state governments. Deshmukh was presented with a cash prize of Rs one crore by her home state of Maharashtra.

Sachdev's other achievements include winning the team bronze as well as an individual bronze on board 4 at the 2022 chess Olympiad. In 2005, Sachdev had become the eighth Indian to earn the woman grandmaster title. In the following two years, she won the Indian Women's Championship title.