AICF may reconsider ban on GM Gopal
9 Apr 2009, 0037 hrs IST, TNN
CHENNAI: The All India
Chess Federation (AICF) has expressed its willingness to reconsider its ban on Grandmaster GN Gopal.
Talking to TOI on Wednesday, AICF secretary DV Sundar said the federation would look into the matter again if the player appealed against the ban.
“We have kept the options open and we have told the player that he can appeal against the decision,” said Sundar.
GN Gopal was banned by AICF afer the Kerala-based GM took part in a tournament in Canada skipping the National A in Mangalore late last year.
The chess fraternity, including the Chess Players Association of India, had reacted sharply against the decision. AICF came under pressure because World champion Viswanathan Anand and some former national champions also supported Gopal.
Sundar said the federation would organise a series of GM tournaments in India to give more opportunities to the players. The first of it will be an open tournament with 26 GMs in Mumbai from April 30 to May 10.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
I wish all chess federations have good relationships with the players of their countries.
so what about the ridiculuos rule where all players below 2650 have to play the national championships? Is that rule still there or have they conveniently forgotten that?