AICF Gives Boost For Training

In a big boost for training our young Indian chess stars, the All India Chess Federation announced prominent names led by Grand Master Krishnan Sasikiran of Chennai as coaches during the AICF Meeting that took place here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on March 27.

Other players who have agreed to train our players for a week to ten days in a year include GM Dibyendu Barua (Ben), GM R.B. Ramesh, GM J. Deepan Chakkaravarthy, IM Manuel Aaron (all TN), IM Vishal Sareen (Del), IM Lanka Ravi (AP), IM Chandrashekar Gokhale (Mah), IM Neeraj Mishra (Jha), Raghunandan Gokhale (Mah), V. Kameswaran, WGM Aarthie Ramaswamy (both TN), WIM Mrunalini Kunte (Mah), FM K.Visweswaran (TN), Praful Zaveri (Mah), Kashinath Mangal (Mah), T. Purushotaman (AP), S.S. Gaikwad (Mah), Nitin (Cha).

FIDE Master K.Visweswaran, 33, of Chennai has been appointed AICF's Coaching Co-Ordinator. Double IM Norm holder, Visweswaran shot into limelight when he trained the Indian Youth Team to a Gold Medal triumph in the World Youth Olympiad at Singapore last year.

Pocket Expenses Offered

In another significant move, the AICF offered to pay Pocket Expenses of USD 10 (about Rs.400) per player per day for official players when they represent India in Asian and World Championships. However, this will not be applicable for players who get allowances from other sources or their employers

Ban Partially Lifted

The AICF Meetings decided to partially lift the ban on Y.V.K. Chakravarthy of Andhra Pradesh. He can now play in all "Open" tournaments. However, his ban on "all" age group events will continue. He will not be eligible for age group prizes offered in Open tournaments.


The AICF also decided to strip the medals of all players who have found overage in the National Chess Championship and also in the Commonwealth chess championship.

In future, M. Satvik of Karnataka would not be considered for overseas events as a "donor entry".

Shrikant Barve of Goa has been suspended by the AICF from all chess activities pending inquiry.

The AICF Meeting with its President N.Srinivasan in chair was well attended.