D.V.Sundar Led AICF Obtains FIDE Recognition
By Arvind Aaron
AICF Photo Release: D.V.Sundar, Honorary Secretary of the AICF (right) receiving the formal letter of recognition from Khalifa Mohamad AL-Hitmi at Doha on March 30.
After investigating the recent matters of the AICF, Khalifma Mohamad AL-Hitmi in his capacity of Continental President of FIDE forAsia issued a formal letter of recognition on behalf of FIDE. "I have come to the conclusion that there is only one federation known as All India Chess Federation and that is headed by Mr N.Srinivasan as President and Mr D.V.Sundar as Honorary Secretary. In future all matters concerning Indian chess should be dealt with Mr D.V.Sundar, the Honorary Secretary of the All India Chess Federation."
Significantly, the letter (Pages 1, 2) says that Mr Sundar has agreed that the election of office bearers will be held before the end of 30 September 2005 as per the constitution of the All India Chess Federation. The letter recognises N.Srinivasan as President, D.V.Sundar as Secretary, Neeraj Kumar Mishra as Treasurer, and Bharat Singh Chauhan as Permanent Delegate to FIDE.
In a press conference at New Delhi on Monday, April 4, D.V.Sundar announced the recognition and said he is going to speak to the Sports Ministry officials for Central Government recognition. Many would remember that Sundar replaced P.T.Ummer Koya as Secretary in February after the Madras High Court on Feb 1, 2005 restrained Koya and Soumen Majumdar from acting as Secretary and Treasurer of the AICF (All India Chess Federation).
This recognition is going to kick-start the activity of the AICF in a big way. Once the Government recognition, which is a formality now, is obtained one can expect the AICF to flourish. "Recognition from the Government is automatic," said Sundar.
Mr Sundar said, "I would not take a single paise as honorarium from the AICF. Koya had been taking about Rs.70,000 per month under various heads." The players registration fee of Rs.500, 10% cut on prize money and the charge of entry fee for Indians in foreign tournaments will be brought down to Rs.8,000 from Rs.15,000. All these changes will be subject to the court, added Sundar. Sundar said players representing India in overseas tournaments will be presented attractive blazers and sent with good escorts.
