Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta Seeks Sports Ministry's Help Over Unpaid Prize Money
India Grandmaster Approaches Sports Ministry, Claims Odisha Open Chess Organiser Yet To Release Rs 5.5 Lakh Prize Money
News 18
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Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has approached the Sports Ministry alleging non-payment of ₹5.5 lakh (approximately $6,600 USD) in prize money from the Odisha Open 2026. He claims the organizers have ceased communication after promising payment within a month of his victory in January 2026, amid internal disputes within the Odisha chess association.
- 01Abhijeet Gupta claims he is owed ₹5.5 lakh in prize money from the Odisha Open 2026.
- 02The organizers have not responded to Gupta's follow-ups since his victory in January 2026.
- 03Internal disputes within the Odisha chess association have led to the freezing of their bank account.
- 04Gupta has reached out to the All India Chess Federation (AICF) but received no response.
- 05The situation highlights broader issues of accountability and transparency in Indian chess.
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Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has sought intervention from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding the non-payment of ₹5.5 lakh (approximately $6,600 USD) in prize money from the Odisha Open 2026. Gupta, who won the tournament in January 2026, claims that the organizers assured him the payment would be made within a month, but communication ceased after he began following up. Reports indicate that the Odisha chess association is facing internal disputes, resulting in their bank account being frozen and preventing the payment of dues to players. Gupta expressed his frustration on social media, emphasizing that this issue reflects a lack of accountability in the sport. He also noted that despite reaching out to the All India Chess Federation (AICF), he has not received a response. An anonymous AICF official stated that the federation is aware of the situation and is working to resolve it. Gupta's situation raises concerns about the treatment of players, especially those at the grassroots level in India.
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This situation may discourage participation in chess tournaments and undermine trust in the organizing bodies.
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