AICF Assures Prize Money for Abhijeet After the GM Approaches Sports Ministry over Unpaid Dues | Sports-Games
The federation has assured action after Gupta said repeated requests failed and the full Rs 45 lakh prize fund remains unpaid, affecting other players and staff.
- After winning the Odisha Open in January 2026, Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has yet to receive his ₹5.5 lakh prize, prompting him to seek assistance from the All India Chess Federation.
- The unpaid prize money stems from a frozen bank account resulting from an ongoing dispute between rival factions within the All Odisha Chess Association led by President Satya Ranjan Pattnaik and General Secretary Debabrata Bhatta.
- Beyond Gupta's prize, the entire ₹45 lakh prize fund remains unpaid, affecting volunteers, arbiters, caterers, and other Grandmasters who participated in the Odisha Open.
- AICF President Nitin Narang contacted Gupta, assuring him that "necessary action has been initiated" to resolve the payment issue following widespread concerns.
- Seeking intervention from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Gupta emphasized that "this is not just about one unpaid prize" but protecting player dignity across India.
12 Articles
12 Articles
AICF assures prize money for Abhijeet after the GM approaches Sports Ministry over unpaid dues | Sports-Games
Renowned Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, left frustrated by the delay in receiving prize money for his Odisha Open title earlier this year, has now received assurances from the All India Chess Federation that the issue will be resolved and necessary action is initiated to clear his dues.
Internal rift in Odisha chess body leaves GM Abhijeet Gupta, others waiting for Rs 45 lakh prize money
Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta says he has not received Rs 5.5 lakh for being the winner. The Indian Express has learnt that the entire Rs 45 lakh prize fund of the Odisha Open remains unpaid by the organisers; AICF president Nitin Narang has told Gupta that necessary action will be taken
Arjuna awardee Abhijeet Gupta exposes Odisha chess tournament for unpaid prize money
Abhijeet Gupta has accused the Odisha Open organisers of withholding his prize money despite repeated assurances. The dispute has exposed the cost of administrative infighting and raised fresh questions over accountability in Indian chess.
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