"Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta and Players Await Rs 45 Lakh Prize Amid Internal Turmoil in Odisha Chess Association"

Commonwealth Gold Medallist Abhijeet Gupta Raises Concerns Over Unpaid Prize Money

Five-time Commonwealth gold medallist, Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, has voiced his frustration over the delay in receiving the promised prize money for his victory at the Odisha Open earlier this year. Despite wiing the Category 'A' event with a stellar score of 8010, entitling him to a reward of Rs 55 lakh, Gupta remains unpaid amidst allegations of mismanagement within the All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA).

The 16th International Grandmaster Chess Festival, hosted by the AOCA in Bhubaneswar from January 16 to 24, saw Gupta emerge victorious in the prestigious event. However, the organisers failed to deliver on their commitment to transfer the prize money within two weeks of the tournament's conclusion.

Despite Gupta's persistent efforts to follow up on the delayed payment, the organisers initially evaded the matter before ceasing all communication. The unresolved prize money, totaling Rs 55 lakh, is just a fraction of the entire Rs 45 lakh prize fund that remains unpaid, affecting not only players like Gupta but also volunteers, arbiters, and caterers associated with the event.

The AOCA finds itself embroiled in an internal dispute, with allegations of financial mismanagement and a frozen bank account exacerbating the crisis. The association's General Secretary, Debabrata Bhatta, blames federation president Satya Ranjan Pattnaik for the ongoing predicament, citing accusations of financial wrongdoing that led to the non-payment of dues.

While efforts are being made to resolve the issue, the internal strife within the AOCA has escalated, with conflicting accounts from both parties further complicating the situation. Pattnaik accuses Bhatta of organizational failures, while Bhatta claims that the lack of funds and mismanagement were beyond his control.

Gupta's plea for intervention from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and the Sports Ministry underscores the urgency of addressing the unpaid prize money issue not just for himself but for the broader chess community in India. Despite his personal ability to manage the delay, Gupta highlights the impact on young players and their families who rely on these wiings.

As discussions continue between the involved parties, including AICF president Nitin Narang's assurance of resolving the matter promptly, the focus remains on upholding the integrity and trust within the chess community. Gupta's advocacy for transparency and accountability in prize money distribution resonates with players and supporters alike, emphasizing the need for timely and fair treatment in competitive sports.