All India Chess Federation plans forensic audit; Players demand transparency
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has decided to have a forensic audit of its books of accounts, and many players and officials are demanding transparency regarding the reasons for this decision. International Master (IM) Venkat Saravanan, joint secretary of Chess Players Forum, stated that several tournaments were not held this year, and the reasons behind this are unknown. AICF Interim Secretary Ajeet Kumar Verma mentioned that the decision to appoint another audit firm was taken at the AICF’s urgent General Body Meeting held on December 28 in Guwahati. The ex Secretary of AICF Bharat Singh Chauhan denied any wrongdoing and claimed that all accounts of the Federation are clean and were passed at the Annual General Meeting.
According to IANS, several chess players have raised concerns about the AICF’s funds being used for personal legal battles instead of being invested in the development of the game and the players. The AICF’s annual accounts show a substantial increase in legal expenses in recent years, raising questions about the usage of funds. In addition, the AICF’s explanation for the records of legal expenses being damaged or destroyed by pests has drawn criticism and skepticism.
Amidst this controversy, the chess community is looking to the future, hoping that the next set of chess administrators will prioritize the development of the game and the players. Arjuna Awardee and chess Grandmaster (GM) offered a list of expectations, calling for initiatives such as cost-free GM coaching camps, financial support for unemployed and unsponsored players, and high prize money low entry-fee tournaments based on absolute merit. The chess community hopes that the AICF will address these concerns and work towards the development of the game and the players.
As the chess world awaits further developments, the demand for transparency and accountability within the AICF continues to grow. The chess community is looking to the next set of administrators to prioritize the development of the game and the players, addressing the ongoing controversy and ensuring that funds are utilized for the benefit of the entire chess community.
