Picture Credit: X
Tania Sachdev, the Indian International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM), has lashed out at the Delhi government for the alleged lack of recognition in chess in recent times. The Arjuna awardee, who has played for India since 2008, remarked that while many other states in India have supported and celebrated their champion players in chess, Delhi is yet to take such a step, which makes her quite disheartened.
Notably, in the last few years, Tania Sachdev has played a key role in taking chess into the mainstream in India with her fantastic performances individually and while representing the country. She won an individual bronze and women’s team bronze medals for India during the Chess Olympiad in 2022, following it up with the historic women’s team gold medal in the same tournament in 2024, but for which, according to her, there has been no recognition from the government in Delhi.
It’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess: Tania Sachdev
In her latest post on the official X account, Tania Sachdev spoke about how the Delhi government needs to do better in helping their talented chess players, and appreciate them for their success. She wrote, “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.”
Tania Sachdev went on to detail her impressive chess performances for India over the last couple of years, tagging the higher-ups in the Delhi government, including the former Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, to acknowledge her and the team. She remarked, “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. As someone who proudly represents Delhi and India, I hope @AamAadmiParty @AtishiAAP ma’am @ArvindKejriwal sir see value in supporting their chess athletes.”
