Chess player Tanya Sachdev, heartbroken over lack of recognition, writes to Delhi manager Kejriwal

As chess continues to bring India fame around the world, some athletes are unhappy about the lack of recognition from state governments. One such sportswoman is Tanya Sachdev, who decided to express her disappointment over the repeated cold shoulder from the Delhi government. Tanya, in a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), said that she has not received any recognition from the Delhi government despite playing chess for India since 2008. She also reminded political leaders of her achievements at the 2022 Chess Olympiad. She also won an Olympic gold medal in chess in 2024.

“I have been playing for India since 2008. It is unfortunate to see the lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. Nations that support and glorify their champions directly inspire skill and motivate talent. Unfortunately, Delhi has not yet taken this step.”

I returned to the 2022 Chess Olympiad with a historic team bronze and an individual medal. Two years later, 2024, historic Olympic gold in chess, and still there has been no recognition or acknowledgment from the state government. As someone who proudly represents Delhi and India, I hope @AamAadmiParty @AtishiAAP ma’am @ArvindKejriwal sir see the value in supporting their chess players,” Tanya wrote on X.

Playing for India since 2008. It is unfortunate to see the lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. Nations that support and celebrate their champions directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Unfortunately, Delhi has not yet taken this step.

IN…

— Tania Sachdev (@TaniaSachdev) December 23, 2024

Speaking to NDTV in October this year, Sachdev urged Delhi to follow the Tamil Nadu model if it wants to produce grandmasters the way the southern state has been doing for the past few years.

“There is a reason why we see so many grandmasters from Tamil Nadu. Why does every girl want to play badminton? Because she saw PV Sindhu,” Sachdev said while speaking at the NDTV World Summit.

“If state governments do not recognize the efforts of their players, how are you going to seriously inspire the youth of the profession?” She said.