Date:03/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/03/stories/2008110351100300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

SAAP neglecting chess: APCA

Staff Reporter

‘It owes more than Rs. 2 cr to several players’

TADEPALLIGUDEM: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) is neglecting chess in the State and it owes more than Rs. 2 crore to several players, who brought glory to Andhra Pradesh by winning medals in Asian and world championships, according to Kanna Reddy, secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association here on Sunday.

Speaking to media persons on the eve of the National Junior Chess Championship, which was kick started on Monday, Mr. Reddy said the players and parents were a dejected lot as there was no support from the State government since 2005. “Chess is sidelined as it is not an Olympic sport.

Though it is not an Olympic sport, many youngsters are hogging the limelight in the world and Asian championships and it is the responsibility of the State government to extend financial support. Even SAAP is not offering funds to the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association to conduct Asian or National championships in the State. Ironically, Sports Authority of India (SAI) is offering its overwhelming support for the growth of the game in AP,” he pointed out.

He said even funds earmarked for the inter-district championships were not being released by SAAP.

APCA president Shiva Prasad said in 2007-08, as many as 14 international medals were won by players from Andhra Pradesh.