In a significant step towards nurturing India’s next generation of chess champions, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has launched a player stipend scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to top-performing youth players. The initiative, part of a broader developmental roadmap, is designed to ensure consistent support for talented youngsters across various age categories.
For the April–June quarter of 2025, the AICF has disbursed ₹42.3 lakh among 42 selected players. These players, ranging from Under-7 to Under-19 in both open and girls’ categories, were chosen based on their performances at the 2024 National Championships. The stipend amounts vary by age group, with beneficiaries receiving between ₹60,000 and ₹1.5 lakh each for the three-month period.
AICF President Nitin Narang highlighted the intent behind the scheme: “This initiative is aimed at enabling young talents to pursue chess more seriously by easing financial burdens. We want to ensure that no promising player has to abandon the sport due to lack of resources.”
The stipend program is part of a larger ₹6.16 crore budget earmarked for player support over two years under the AICF’s ₹65 crore roadmap, which was unveiled last year. That plan includes long-term contracts for youth players, rewards for India’s top-ranked professionals, incentives for coaches and trainers, as well as efforts to promote women’s chess and integrate the sport into schools.
This move comes at a time when Indian chess is experiencing a surge in both participation and international success. The country now boasts over 85 Grandmasters and is second globally in the number of FIDE-rated players. However, concerns have persisted around financial sustainability for young players who often face challenges in funding their training and international travel.
By providing structured, quarterly support, the AICF aims to create a dependable foundation for players’ growth. The federation has stated its commitment to continuing these stipends regularly, while also monitoring the performance and development of the recipients.
With this stipend scheme, the AICF has taken a strong step towards professionalizing the chess ecosystem and reaffirming its focus on youth development—an investment that could shape India’s global chess dominance in the y
ears to come.
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