Chess Olympiad trophy goes missing, AICF confirm
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has found itself in the middle of a controversy after the Chess Olympiad trophy went missing. The Indian team won the trophy during the last edition, held at home.
The incident has forced the AICF to file a police complaint, seeking help in locating the coveted Gaprindashvili Trophy. The development has cast a shadow over India's performance in the ongoing 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where both the men's and women's teams are aiming for gold medals.
AICF officials have confirmed that the Gaprindashvili Trophy had been missing for over a month, and despite efforts to locate it, the trophy could not be traced. The issue came to light after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) requested the trophy to be brought to Budapest for the ongoing Olympiad.
AICF Vice-President Anil Kumar Raizada said the federation had been trying to locate the trophy for over 30 days but was unsuccessful in doing so.
"After we had received a request from FIDE for the trophy to be brought, we have been unable to trace it for over 30 days. As a result, we have filed an official police complaint, and an investigation will follow," Raizada said (as quoted by PTI).
A senior AICF official, who preferred to remain anonymous, acknowledged the blunder and said such matters needed to be dealt with more responsibly.
"Yes, we tried to look for it all around following FIDE's request. However, we have been unable to locate it so far. It is indeed an embarrassing situation, and these things require utter responsibility," the official said (via The Week).
Replacement trophy ordered - AICF
The senior AICF official added that a “contingency plan is in place” and that the federation has ordered a replacement trophy for the ongoing edition.
The official also apologized for the 'mess' that has been created with the trophy going missing and a failed effort to relocate it.
“For now, a replacement trophy has been ordered. It won’t be as unique as the original, but still, it will be close to the original one. We apologise for the mess," he said (via The Week).
India's strong contingent at the 45th Chess Olympiad
As the 45th Chess Olympiad continues in Budapest, with 197 teams representing 195 national federations, India’s open team remains a strong contender for the gold medal. The team includes top players like Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala.
In the women’s section, India's representation includes Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev.
The tournament, which began on September 10 and runs until September 23, is being fiercely contested. With India's hopes of triumphing in Budapest high, the federation will be keen to put an end to this controversy soon.