With the aim of popularizing the sport, newly elected officials of the Indian Chess Federation (AICF) announced plans, including an Indian Chess League and a school program.
The AICF ‘vision document’ was published after the Annual General Body Meeting attended by 33 state units.
“We have been interested in starting the Chess League of India to popularize the game. The first edition, which will be a franchise model, will be organized this year ”, said Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, president of the AICF. At the AGM, it was also decided to host the Women’s Grand Prix, Kapoor confirmed. The AICF will also make an offer for the next available Chess Olympiad.
The AICF also has plans to boost the schools program, which according to Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan, will focus on government schools and involve up to 700 teachers, who will be expertly trained to teach the game to children.
“Before April we plan to start the chess program in schools. We will use a slightly modified version of the Fide curriculum, ”added Chauhan. The AICF has had a Chess in Schools (CIS) project, but Chauhan said there will be a greater emphasis on extending the scope.
Other decisions made at the AGM were to have a single registration system for players, which will need an annual renewal, start a center of excellence and organize a super tournament.
“The super tournament will see many of the best players in action. It will give our Grandmasters the opportunity to compete with the best in the home business, ”Kapoor said. “Our plan is to make India a superpower in chess.”
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