Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta Prize Money Controversy: Indian chess world A shocking case has come to light. Five-time Commonwealth Chess Champion and Arjun Awardee Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has claimed that despite winning the Odisha GM Open in January 2026, he has not yet received his prize money. By posting this issue on social media platform X, he has raised serious questions on the functioning of sports administration and All India Chess Federation (AICF). However, after his post AICF President Nitin Narang called him and assured that necessary action has been initiated!

Abhijeet Gupta told that the Odisha GM Open Tournament ended on 24 January 2026. A total prize money of Rs 25 lakh was kept in Category-A of this tournament, in which the winner was to get Rs 5.5 lakh. Abhijeet won the title by scoring 8 out of 10.

What did Abhijeet tell?

• Abhijeet told that after the tournament was over, the organizers had assured that the prize money would be transferred within two weeks. Initially he did not pay much attention, considering it a normal process, because in India players are often paid later instead of in cash, but when several weeks passed and he contacted again in March, the organizers stopped responding.


• The 36-year-old Grandmaster said that the matter is not just about his money, but it is to the future and confidence of the young players of the country.


• Abhijeet said, “I am at that stage of my career where respect matters more than money. But imagine, if a 10-year-old child wins a tournament for the first time and does not get a reward, what message will it send?”


• Abhijeet Gupta also raised questions on All India Chess Federation. He says that since the tournament was affiliated with AICF, it is the responsibility of the federation to provide the players their rights.


• Abhijeet said that since March till now he had sent several emails to the AICF President and Secretary, but did not receive any response.

Debate intensifies on social media regarding accountability of sports administration

After this whole matter, the debate on the accountability of sports administration has intensified on social media. Many players and sports lovers supported Abhijeet Gupta and said that if even an Arjun Awardee player has to struggle to get his award, then it can be imagined how difficult the situation will be for the grassroots players.

Abhijeet Gupta has also sought intervention from the Sports Ministry in his X post. He wrote that transparency and accountability are very important to maintain the dignity and trust of the players. At present he has not taken any decision on further legal action, but has clearly said that he is not going to give up this issue easily.