Seasoned chess player Tania Sachdev criticised the Delhi government for its lack of support for chess players. She highlighted how other states actively back their players, leading to significant achievements, and expressed disappointment over receiving no recognition for her Olympiad victories in 2022 and 2024.

The player posted in X, stating that, "Having played for India since 2008, it’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. States that support and celebrate their champions directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Sadly, Delhi has yet to take this step". 

"In the 2022 Chess Olympiad, I came back with a historic team bronze and an individual medal. Two years later, in 2024, the historic Chess Olympiad gold, and to date, there has been no acknowledgement or recognition by the state government," she wrote, urging the ruling Aam Aadmi Party to "see value in supporting their chess players.”

Tania Sachdev played a crucial role in the Indian women’s team’s historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, their first-ever in the event. Previously instrumental in India’s bronze medal win in 2018, she emphasised the Olympiad double as a turning point for Indian chess. Alongside her playing career, Tania also shines as a chess commentator. The team’s achievements led to a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a proud moment for the sport in India.

Tania’s remarks came shortly after Tamil Nadu awarded ₹5 crore to Gukesh Dommaraju for winning the World Chess Championship in Singapore and honoured him in a grand ceremony. Known for its strong chess legacy, Tamil Nadu hosted the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai and has produced two world champions—Viswanathan Anand and Gukesh—and also 31 Grandmasters.

"The promising talents here get immediate support right from the grassroots. I have had the privilege of working with Gukesh for the last four years and am happy to have played a small part in this," Anand said.