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The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has unveiled an ambitious ₹65 crore budget and blueprint to revolutionize chess in India. This comprehensive plan aims to provide financial and institutional support to players at all levels, from grassroots to the elite, and to popularize the game across the nation.The initiative comes on the heels of India's historic success in the Candidates Tournament, where 17-year-old D Gukesh became the first-ever teen winner and qualified for the World Championship. The tournament also witnessed an unprecedented Indian representation, with five players competing in both the Open and Women sections.The AICF's plan addresses key challenges, including integrating chess into school curricula, introducing chess e-learning, identifying and nurturing talent, strengthening grassroots academies, and ensuring the sustainability of the federation.Key Initiatives:* National Player Contracts: AICF will introduce two-year contracts for national-level players from U-7 to U-19 age groups, providing financial support ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. These players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like 'Meet the Champions' in educational institutions.* Cash Rewards for Top Players: Cash rewards will be allocated to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their Fide rankings. The top five players will receive ₹25 lakhs, while those ranked between 6th and 10th will be rewarded ₹12.50 lakhs.* Supporting State Associations: AICF will provide financial assistance to state associations over three years, with funds allocated for prize money, chess development activities, and establishing offices. Quarterly seminars will be conducted for capacity building.* Women In Chess: The Smart Girl Program will be expanded with a minimum of 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant. Additionally, a 33% reservation for women will be implemented in key areas like coach and arbiter certification, participation in AICF-recognized events, and the Campus Ambassador Program.* Incentivising Chess Content Creators: AICF will collaborate with Youtubers, influencers, and streamers to foster a thriving community of chess content creators. Mentorship from established creators will be provided to nurture new talent.* National Chess Awards and Development Conference: Exceptional coaches and players will be honored, and industry leaders and universities will come together to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions.* Corporate Chess League: Corporates will be allowed to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. A minimum prize money will be set for AICF-rated events. Bilateral competitions with other nations will be organized to enhance chess diplomacy.* Chess Development Fund: This fund will support initiatives such as trainer training programs, coach certification, outreach efforts, and integrating chess into school curriculums.* Corporate Partnerships: A management board will be established to collaborate with strategic partners and finance programs and initiatives, aiming for governance excellence and long-term sustainability.

Jyothika Sri Dandi, the Indian sprinter who produced the fastest leg for India in the women's 4x400m second Olympic qualifying round at the World Relays Bahamas, overcame a knee injury and personal setbacks to achieve her Olympic dream. Despite missing the Asian Games last year due to the injury, Jyothika's determination to qualify for the Olympics fueled her recovery and return to the national camp.On Sunday, in the final qualifying event in Nassau, Jyothika and the Indian women's 400m quartet secured their spot in the Paris Olympics. The team, which includes Rupal Chaudhary, Machettira Raju Poovamma, and Subha Venkatesan, finished second in their heat with a timing of 3:29.35. Jyothika's blistering second leg propelled them from last to second place."It was do or die for us," said Jyothika. "After I lost out on the Asian Games last year, I had to qualify for this. I'm happy and relieved that we made it, and so is my father."The Indian men's 4x400m team, which broke the Asian record at the Tokyo Games and continued to excel at the Worlds and Asian Games, also secured their Olympic berth. Despite a nightmarish first attempt that ended with a runner down and none at the finish line, the team regrouped and delivered a composed performance in their second heat.Muhammad Anas, Muhammad Ajmal, Rajiv Arokia, and Amoj Jacob clocked 3:03.23 to finish behind the United States. Jacob's quality anchor leg proved crucial in securing the second spot and the direct Paris berth.Both the men's and women's teams faced challenges and strokes of luck on the day, but their determination and resilience ultimately prevailed. They will now represent India at the Paris Olympics, where they will aim to build on their recent successes and make their mark on the global stage.

Indian Relay Teams Secure Olympic Berths, Fulfilling Dreams and Justifying ChoicesThe Indian men's and women's 4x400m relay teams have achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the Paris Olympics. This accomplishment holds profound meaning for each member, representing redemption, fulfillment, and the validation of early life decisions.Women's Team:* MR Poovamma: After enduring a two-year doping ban, Poovamma's Olympic qualification marks a triumphant return. The decorated athlete has won multiple medals in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the Asian Games.* Rupal Chaudhary: The 19-year-old made history as the first Indian to win two medals at the World U20 Athletics Championship. Despite humble beginnings, she has overcome challenges to achieve success.* Jyothika Dandi Sri: Driven by her father's Olympic aspirations, Jyothika has dedicated herself to the sport. She has been part of the Indian team that won bronze at the Asian Championships.* Subha Venkatesan: The daughter of a construction worker, Subha's journey began at the insistence of her grandfather. She has won medals in national meets and was part of the silver-winning team at the 2018 Asian Junior Championships.Men's Team:* Muhammed Anas: The national record holder and two-time Olympian, Anas has won medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships. He was part of the Indian relay teams at the Tokyo Olympics.* Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi: A former football player, Ajmal switched to running and has been part of the gold-winning 4x400m relay team at the 2017 Asian Championships.* Amoj Jacob: Born in Kerala but raised in Delhi, Jacob began his sporting journey in football before transitioning to sprinting. He was part of the gold-winning 4x400m relay team at the 2017 Asian Championships.* Arokia Rajiv: The son of a state-level sprinter, Rajiv is an Armyman who has won medals in the 4x400m relay at the Asian Games. He was part of the Tokyo Olympics relay team that broke the Asian record.For these athletes, Olympic qualification represents a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. It is a testament to their resilience, talent, and the support of their families and coaches.

McLaren's Lando Norris has finally achieved his long-awaited maiden Formula One victory in a thrilling Miami Grand Prix. The 23-year-old Briton, in his 110th race for the team, stunned reigning world champion Max Verstappen and the rest of the field to claim the top step of the podium.Norris's victory was a testament to his patience and strategic brilliance. Starting from fifth on the grid, he bided his time behind Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. When Verstappen pitted on lap 24, Norris seized the opportunity to take the lead.Crucially, Norris was able to pit during a safety car period on lap 30, giving him a significant time advantage. He never relinquished the lead, despite Verstappen's relentless pursuit.Verstappen, who had won four of the opening five races of the season, was left to rue his lack of pace on hard tires. He finished over seven seconds behind Norris, marking the first time he has been beaten on track since last September's Singapore Grand Prix.Ferrari's Charles Leclerc completed the podium, while Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez finished fourth and fifth respectively. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished sixth and eighth, while Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri took seventh.Norris's victory was a major upset and a welcome breath of fresh air in a season that had threatened to become a one-man show for Verstappen. It was also a vindication for McLaren, who have struggled for pace in recent years."I knew on Friday that we had the pace," said Norris. "Today we managed to put it together. We had the perfect strategy, it all paid off."Verstappen was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Norris's deserved victory. "They just had more pace, Lando was flying," said the Dutchman. "I'm very happy for Lando, it's been a long time coming and it's not going to be his last one."

Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik has sparked controversy with his latest accusations of cheating in online chess. Kramnik, who previously raised suspicions about Hikaru Nakamura's winning streak, has now suggested that Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin's online blitz results against the world's top ten players this year are "mathematically 99.9999% impossible."Kramnik's allegations have been met with skepticism and criticism from the chess community. Nihal's manager, Priyadarshan Banjan, has challenged Kramnik to a face-to-face playoff against Nihal, while others have questioned Kramnik's statistical analysis.Kramnik's concerns about cheating in online chess are legitimate, but his public accusations have been criticized for being unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of players. Chess.com, one of the leading online chess platforms, has closed Kramnik's blog and muted his account after investigating his allegations and finding them baseless.The recent wave of paranoia over cheating in chess has been fueled by high-profile accusations from top players such as Magnus Carlsen and Kramnik. However, experts argue that mass public accusations and blackballing are not effective ways to address the issue.Kramnik's accusations have also raised questions about the role of statistics in detecting cheating. While statistical analysis can be a useful tool, it is important to interpret the results carefully and avoid making unfounded conclusions.The issue of cheating in chess is complex and requires a nuanced approach. While it is important to maintain the integrity of the game, it is equally important to avoid unsubstantiated accusations that can damage the reputations of players and undermine the sport's credibility.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is determined to elevate the Indian chess landscape by hosting more international tournaments and launching a series of initiatives to nurture talent and expand the sport's reach.AICF President Nitin Narang announced plans to introduce an "AICF Super Tournament," a unique platform that will provide Indian players with world-class competition and exposure. The tournament will feature a quota for Indian players, allowing them to compete alongside international stars.Recognizing the need for increased opportunities, the AICF will also host a maximum number of AICF-rated tournaments, providing a competitive environment for players to hone their skills. The federation has allocated a record budget of Rs. 65 crore to support these initiatives.To ensure equal opportunities, the AICF has pledged to eliminate gender disparities in prize money. Both male and female players will receive equal compensation in all tournaments and contracts.The federation's focus extends beyond elite players. It aims to strengthen the sport's foundation by establishing district associations in every district, promoting chess in schools, and implementing an AICF rating system. This system will allow amateur players to get rated and participate in more tournaments, fostering a thriving chess ecosystem.To address the lack of standardized academies, the AICF plans to launch 20 online academies and seek corporate support to establish 700 standardized academies across the country. These academies will provide training and support to young players, nurturing their talent and creating a pipeline of future champions.The AICF's comprehensive approach aims to transform the Indian chess landscape, providing opportunities for players of all levels, promoting the sport at the grassroots, and ensuring that India remains a global chess powerhouse.

The Indian men's 4x400m relay team's hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics were dashed on Sunday as they failed to finish their heat race at the World Athletics Relays in Silesia, Poland. The quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Rajesh Ramesh, Muhammed Ajmal, and Amoj Jacob had been aiming for a top-two finish in heat number four to secure their ticket to Paris, but their dreams were shattered when Ramesh was forced to pull out due to cramps.Anas had already completed the first leg in a time of 45.93 seconds when Ramesh, running the second leg, collapsed at the first bend, clutching his left leg. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) later confirmed that Ramesh had suffered cramps in his leg muscles.The setback was particularly disappointing for the Indian team, who had set an Asian record of 2 minutes and 59.05 seconds at the 2023 Budapest World Championships. They had also failed to progress beyond the heat round in the Tokyo Olympics.India will have another chance to qualify for the Paris Games on Monday during round two of the Olympic qualifications. All the teams that finished outside the top two in their respective heats on Sunday will compete for the remaining six Paris tickets. The teams will be divided into three heats, with the top two from each heat advancing to the Olympics.In addition to the men's 4x400m relay, India also failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the women's 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relays on the first day of qualifications. Both teams will have to wait for Monday's round two of Olympic qualifications for another shot at the Paris Games.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has indefinitely suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Punia failed to provide a urine sample during selection trials on March 10, prompting NADA to issue the suspension.According to NADA's official release, Punia has been provisionally suspended from all competitions and activities pending a hearing on the matter. The suspension stems from Punia's refusal to provide a sample despite being informed of the consequences.Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, was among several wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The suspension comes as a setback for Punia, who was expected to compete in the selection trials later this month.In the absence of Punia, Sujeet Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was addressed to the WFI's now-defunct ad hoc committee, rather than the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW).Punia had previously claimed that he had expired dope-collecting kits, but disregarded the dope control officer's directive. The DCO's report states that Punia left the venue despite being informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.Punia has been asked to provide a written justification for his refusal by May 7. If he accepts the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings. However, if he disagrees, the matter will be referred to the anti-doping disciplinary panel.

The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers engaged in a thrilling battle on Saturday, with the Cubs emerging victorious 6-5 to tie their first divisional series of the year at one apiece.Nico Hoerner set the tone early with his first career lead-off home run, while Christopher Morel continued his hot streak with his third homer in as many games. Patrick Wisdom also joined the home run party, sending one into the stands to give the Cubs a 4-0 lead after six strong innings from starter Jameson Taillon.However, the Brewers refused to go down without a fight. Rhys Hoskins drew a walk off Keegan Thompson, who replaced Taillon, and Oliver Dunn followed with a triple to bring Hoskins home. Blake Perkins then homered to cut the deficit to 4-3.Milwaukee continued to chip away in the eighth inning. Jackson Chourio singled, and Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a double to Sal Frelick. A throwing error by Mike Tauchman allowed Chourio to score, making it 4-5.The Cubs responded in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Wisdom, sending Michael Busch home from third. Héctor Neris came in to pitch the ninth inning and walked Perkins, but an RBI single by William Contreras brought the Brewers within one again.With the winning run on second, Tyler Black grounded into a forceout to end the game, sealing Neris' sixth save of the season.Taillon's impressive outing included two hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts over six innings. Tobias Myers took the loss for the Brewers, allowing four runs on three hits and four walks over three innings.