AICF launches chess stipend scheme (TNPSS) for top U-7 to U-19 players with a ₹6.16 crore fund. Read details, benefits, and exam-relevant facts.
AICF Launches Monthly Stipend Scheme to Boost Young Chess Talent
Introduction: A Game‑Changer for Emerging Chess Prodigies
In a significant move to nurture India’s next wave of chess champions, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has introduced the Top National Players Stipend Scheme (TNPSS). This quarterly stipend initiative targets outstanding performers from the Under‑7 to Under‑19 categories, aiming to strengthen their journey from national-level events to international excellence
Scope of the Scheme: AICF’s Nationwide Ambition
The scheme includes 42 of the most promising youth players (21 boys and 21 girls) identified from last year’s national championships. Beneficiaries will receive between ₹60,000 and ₹150,000 every quarter, depending on their age group and level of achievement
Financial Commitment: Immediate Disbursement & Long‑Term Plans
For the April–June 2025 quarter, a total of ₹42.3 lakh has already been disbursed. The TNPSS is backed by a substantial corpus of ₹6.16 crore for future grants, marking a strong financial investment in youth chess development
Vision & Leadership: AICF’s President Weighs In
AICF President Nitin Narang framed the initiative as a crucial turn toward player-centric policy. He emphasized that financial hurdles—such as travel and training costs—have long hampered young talent. This scheme is a remedy, providing stability so players can focus fully on their chess aspirations
Focus on National Tournaments: Building the Talent Pipeline
One of the key goals is to elevate the status of national events. By directly rewarding performance at nationals, the scheme strengthens the grassroots-to-elite talent pipeline and ensures early identification and support of future champions
Why This News Is Important
Strengthening India’s Chess Ecosystem
With India emerging as a chess powerhouse—thanks to prodigies like R. Praggnanandhaa and D. Gukesh—this initiative is a timely boost. The stipend scheme complements national efforts to sustain India’s rise on the world stage by easing financial burdens that hinder talent progression.
Exam Relevance: Government Schemes & Sports Policy
For government exam aspirants preparing for Civil Services, teaching, police, defence, and banking roles, this scheme highlights key points:
- Government-affiliated bodies (like the AICF) setting up large-scale financial initiatives
- Budget allotment specifics (e.g., ₹6.16 crore corpus, ₹42.3 lakh disbursed)
- State-led interventions in sports development
Remembering these figures and the purpose behind them can boost your answers in UPSC or state exams.
Motivating Holistic Youth Development
Beyond chess, the move exemplifies broader policy trends in India: investing in sports infrastructure, providing social and financial support to emerging talent, and aligning with the government’s ‘Khelo India’ vision.
Historical Context
Rise of Indian Chess on the Global Stage
Indian chess received unprecedented attention with Viswanathan Anand’s world championship feats in the early 2000s. This momentum catalyzed grassroots interest and performance improvements across age groups.
Institutional Support over the Years
The AICF has historically supported elite players, but this is the first time a structured, age-specific stipend program has been rolled out. Earlier support included sponsorship, coaching camps, and foreign exposure. Now, TNPSS adds financial regularity to the mix.
Alignment with National Sports Policy
This initiative echoes the government’s broader sports policy shifts—especially those under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports—where targeted scholarships and stipends are given across sports disciplines, reinforcing India’s athletic infrastructure.
Key Takeaways from AICF’s Stipend Scheme
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | AICF introduced the Top National Players Stipend Scheme (TNPSS) for U‑7 to U‑19 age groups. |
| 2 | Between ₹60,000 and ₹150,000 now given quarterly, based on age and performance. |
| 3 | ₹42.3 lakh disbursed for Apr–Jun 2025; ₹6.16 crore corpus allocated overall. |
| 4 | Beneficiaries include 42 top national performers (21 boys, 21 girls). |
| 5 | Scheme aims to prioritize national tournaments and enable youth to train without financial strain. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Top National Players Stipend Scheme (TNPSS)?
The TNPSS is a financial support scheme launched by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to provide stipends to top-performing chess players in the Under‑7 to Under‑19 categories.
2. How much money will players receive under the scheme?
Beneficiaries will receive between ₹60,000 and ₹150,000 quarterly, based on their age group and performance level.
3. Who is eligible for the stipend?
The 42 selected beneficiaries (21 boys and 21 girls) were chosen based on their performances in national championships held last year.
4. What is the total budget for this scheme?
AICF has allocated ₹6.16 crore as the total corpus for the TNPSS, with ₹42.3 lakh already disbursed for the April–June 2025 quarter.
5. Why is this scheme important for competitive exams?
It reflects India’s sports policy initiatives, budgetary planning in sports, government-aided bodies’ actions, and supports topics under youth development and public sector schemes—commonly asked in Civil Services, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams.
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