Arjuna awardee and grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has publicly accused the organisers of the Odisha Open chess tournament of withholding his prize money. Despite receiving multiple assurances, Gupta claims he has not received his rightful winnings, sparking controversy within the Indian chess community.
The dispute emerged shortly after the conclusion of the Odisha Open, an important event in the Indian chess calendar attracting top players nationwide. Gupta, renowned for his international success, finished among the top contenders, earning a significant prize.
According to Gupta, the event administrators have delayed prize distribution, citing administrative and financial reasons. Gupta stated, “I was promised multiple times that the payment would be processed, but till now, I have not received any amount. This is disappointing and raises serious questions about the management of the tournament.”
This issue highlights ongoing challenges in Indian chess governance, where infighting and a lack of transparency have previously affected players and tournaments. The controversy is expected to increase pressure on chess authorities to enforce stricter accountability and financial integrity in event management.
Local chess clubs and fans have expressed support for Gupta, stressing the importance of timely prize payments to encourage and sustain professional players. A local chess coach commented, “Players dedicate their time and effort, and prize money is a critical part of their livelihood.”
As of now, the Odisha Open organisers have not issued a formal statement addressing Gupta’s allegations, further fueling speculation and criticism within the chess community.
The outcome of this dispute could have broader implications for chess tournaments across India by influencing player participation and sponsor confidence in future events. Observers hope this situation will prompt reforms to better protect players’ interests moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates only on Space Sports.
About The Author
More Stories
Abhijeet Gupta Takes on Odisha Chess Tournament Over Unpaid Prize Money