Now Reading: Chess GM Vidit Gujrathi gets Arjuna Award, says recognition overdue
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Chess GM Vidit Gujrathi gets Arjuna Award, says recognition overdue
Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi was surprised to learn he has been named for this year's Arjuna Award, one of India's highest sporting honours. The 31-year-old was at Delhi Airport on Tuesday when his phone lit up with messages, and the Sports Authority of India later confirmed the news. His wife Dr Nidhi was the first to hear it.
Gujrathi admitted the recognition came later than he had expected. "Between 2022 and 2024 I was at my prime, winning gold medals across the world and at the peak of world rankings. At that time I felt disappointed I was not considered," he said. He won the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss, captained India to gold at the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad and won gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
He said the award will boost chess in India, showing youngsters that the sport is celebrated and respected. Gujrathi urged young players to take advice "with a pinch of salt" and give their all to whatever they do. The Arjuna Award carries a Rs 15 lakh cash prize and a bronze statue of Arjuna.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Arjuna Award is among India's highest sporting honours, carrying a Rs 15 lakh cash prize and recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Vidit Gujrathi becomes the sixth Indian chess player to receive it after Vishwanathan Anand, Dibyendu Barua, Koneru Humpy, S Sasikiran and Pentala Harikrishna. The delay in his nomination likely reflects the intense competition from multiple chess medalists in the same cycle. His 2024 Chess Olympiad gold as captain made the case undeniable. The next signal to watch is whether the government extends similar recognition to other Olympiad teammates like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R and Arjun Erigaisi.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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