Dharmendra Kumar

Treasurer, All India Chess Federation
President , South Asian Chess Council
Member, FIDE Qualification Commission
FIDE Lecturer International Arbiter .

[Nitin Narang @narangnitin]

A truly double delight for chess lovers.

Today is World Chess Day, and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) is pleased to release the another instalment of quarterly stipends, ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000, totalling ₹42,30,000, to 42 top players across the U7 to U19 categories (Open and Girls), based on their performances in the 2024 National Championships.

This is the first time in the history of Indian chess that our players and prodigies are receiving such financial support, so they do not have to give up their passion due to financial constraints. These stipends will support their coaching and travel needs, enabling them to compete globally and pursue higher goals with confidence.

This is part of AICF's ambitious plan to create a robust ecosystem for chess in India, inspired by the vision of Aadarniya Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower and encourage athletes at the grassroots.

If chess is your dream, chase it. We are with you.

@narendramodi @mansukhmandviya @FIDE_chess @advorkovich @PMOIndia @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @aicfchess

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@narangnitin @chessvaishali @narendramodi Congratulations Vaishali !!
You have made us proud today 💐

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

https://t.co/62B33VPtK8

[Dr. Guru Prakash Paswan @IGuruPrakash]

Chess is a game of passion and intelligence. Delighted to be with young talents at the State Level Championship organised by the All Bihar Chess Association in Patna.

Stories of players like Gukesh and India’s growing presence in global tournaments are transforming our chess ecosystem. Kudos to the All India Chess Federation and its leadership for nurturing this momentum.

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@narangnitin Thank you Sir !! It's one of the Great move by you for Indian Chess..!! Thanks on behalf of young achievers 💐👍

[Nitin Narang @narangnitin]

For the first time in the history of Indian Chess, quarterly stipends ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000, totalling ₹42,30,000 for the first quarter of 2025, have been disbursed to 42 top players across the U-7 to U-19 categories (both open and girls), based on their performance in last year’s nationals. This is part of a total outlay of ₹6,15,60,000 under this scheme.

These stipends will support players’ coaching and travel needs, enabling them to compete globally and pursue higher goals with confidence.

Taking inspiration from Aadarniya PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s call to empower athletes at the grassroots, the All India Chess Federation has moved from vision to delivery.

This marks the implementation of a key component of the national chess development blueprint I presented as President of AICF designed to nurture talent and create robust support systems.

Together, we are building the foundation for a new era of Indian chess.

@narendramodi @fide
@aicfchess @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya

[President of India @rashtrapatibhvn]

President Droupadi Murmu confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2024 on Shri Gukesh D in recognition of his outstanding achievements in Chess. His achievements are:

• Gold medal in FIDE World Chess (Classical) Championship held in Singapore in 2024.

• Gold medal in FIDE 45th Chess Olympiad (Open Team) held in Budapest in 2024.

• Gold medal in FIDE 45th Chess Olympiad (Individual) held in Budapest in 2024.

[President of India @rashtrapatibhvn]

President Droupadi Murmu confers Arjuna Award, 2024 on Ms. Vantika Agrawal in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Chess. Her achievements are:

• Gold medal in Chess Olympiad (Women's Team) held in Budapest, Hungary in 2024.

• Gold medal in Chess Olympiad (Individual) held in Budapest, Hungary in 2024.

• Silver medal in Asian Games (Women's Team) held in Hangzhou China in 2023.

[Nitin Narang @narangnitin]

After Koneru Humpy's incredible victory in the Rapid event, it's time to shift gears to Blitz!

Wishing all our players the very best as you take on the world's best at the World Blitz Chess Championship. Stay focused, stay sharp, and make us proud!!

@ArjunErigaisi, @rpraggnachess, @sadhwani2005, Sandipan Chanda, @pawnof64squares, Harsha Bharathakoti, @GM_Pranav_V, @diptayan_ghosh, and Karthik Venkataraman, @humpy_koneru,@HarikaDronavali, @DivyaDeshmukh05,@chessvaishali, @vantikachess, Sahithi Varshini M, @acciochess, and @PriyankaNutakki

@FIDE_chess @aicfchess @ChessbaseIndia @narendramodi @PMOIndia @rashtrapatibhvn @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @mansukhmandviya

[Narendra Modi @narendramodi]

I am also delighted to have received from Gukesh the original chessboard from the game he won. The chessboard, autographed by both him and Ding Liren, is a cherished memento.

[Narendra Modi @narendramodi]

In the success of every athlete, their parents play a pivotal role. I complimented Gukesh’s parents for supporting him through thick and thin. Their dedication will inspire countless parents of young aspirants who dream of pursuing sports as a career.

[Narendra Modi @narendramodi]

Congratulations to @humpy_koneru on winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship! Her grit and brilliance continues to inspire millions.

This victory is even more historic because it is her second world rapid championship title, thereby making her the only Indian to achieve this incredible feat.

[Nitin Narang @narangnitin]

Congratulations to Grandmaster Pranav V (@GM_Pranav_V) for securing a remarkable double Gold Medal in the Under-18 category at the World Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2025, held in Terme Catez, Slovenia! Your exceptional performance is a shining example of talent, relentless hard work, and unwavering dedication. The entire nation celebrates this proud achievement!

@FIDE_chess @aicfchess @ChessbaseIndia @narendramodi @PMOIndia @rashtrapatibhvn @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @mansukhmandviya

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@BSSABihar @DGBSSA @MLASurendraBJP @BiharSportsDept @PIB_Patna @IPRDBihar @Media_SAI @IndiaSports Thanks for your continuous support to Chess in Bihar and our player's !! It was not possible to get this environment without your active support.

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@narangnitin @narendramodi @ianuragthakur @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @aicfchess RIP Koshi jee !
Indian Chess can not forget you 😢🙏🙏

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@narangnitin @narendramodi @ianuragthakur @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @aicfchess Thanks for setting new benchmark @narangnitin . @aicfchess
HAR GHAR CHESS
GHAR GHAR CHESS

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

https://t.co/UR9bkN2ueJ

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@DGukesh

[Bihar State Sports Authority @BSSABihar]

17 वर्षीय ग्रैंडमास्टर डी गुकेश ने कैंडिडेट्स टूर्नामेंट जीत लिया है। ऐसा करने वाले वे विश्व के सबसे कम उम्र के खिलाड़ी बन गए हैं । 2024 में होने वाले वर्ल्ड चैम्पियनशिप में उनका मुकाबला डींग लाइरेन से होगा। वर्ल्ड चैम्पियनशिप में प्रतिद्वंदी के रूप में खेलने वाले डी गुकेश, ग्रैंडमास्टर विश्वनाथन आनंद के बाद, देश के दूसरे खिलाड़ी बने जो देश के लिए बहुत खुशी और गर्व की बात है। देश को गौरवान्वित करने वाले इस ऐतिहासिक सफलता पर डी गुकेश को बिहार राज्य खेल प्राधिकरण की ओर से ढेरों बधाई के साथ उज्ज्वल भविष्य की अशेष शुभकामनाएं!
#DilSeKheloMilKeJeeto #Chess

[International Chess Federation @FIDE_chess]

🇮🇳 Gukesh D wins the #FIDECandidates 2024 and the right to challenge the reigning World Champion 🇨🇳 Ding Liren for the title! 🏆

Congratulations! 👏

📷 Michal Walusza

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

@narangnitin @aicfchess @DGukesh

[Narendra Modi @narendramodi]

India is exceptionally proud of @DGukesh on becoming the youngest-ever player to win the #FIDECandidates!

Gukesh's remarkable achievement at the Candidates in Toronto showcases his extraordinary talent and dedication.

His outstanding performance and journey to the top inspires millions.

[Dharmendra Kumar @iadkumar]

Congratulations @DGukesh from entire chess fraternity of India and All India Chess Federation.

[Nitin Narang @narangnitin]

GOAT @DGukesh ! 🙌👑

Gukesh D, made history as the youngest ever to clinch the #FIDECandidates Tournament. Gukesh, you're not just playing the game; you're paving a path for the future & we all are super proud of you!

Under the visionary leadership and pro player initiatives of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, and with the unwavering support from Union Minister Shri @ianuragthakur ji, Bharat's sporting ecosystem is indeed thriving.

All the best for the World Chess Championship Final, Gukesh! ✌️

@aicfchess