Humpy and AICF in war of words
Shweta Thampan
New Delhi, October 24, 2009


All India Chess Federation (AICF) honorary secretary DV Sundar hit back at women’s World No. 2 Grandmaster Koneru Humpy after the latter said that she had decided not to play the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam because of pressure from Sundar. Sundar has called the allegations, posted on chessbase. com on Thursday, “imaginations and half truths”. Humpy said that the AICF, after agreeing to pay for her personal coach and father Koneru Ashok’s travel with the team, had later asked him to pay from his own pocket despite her agreeing to all the conditions put forward.

Sundar retaliated in a detailed clarification, saying that Ashok’s trip was cleared by the Indian Olympic Association on AICF’s request but according to government rules, no personal trainer can be taken along with the team. He also said that the AICF had sent a mail to Humpy saying that the federation will not foot the bills for Ashok’s trip.

“It is a lie to say that AICF agreed to spend for Mr. Koneru Ashok. On the contrary, we have sent a mail to Humpy informing her very clearly that AICF cannot foot his bills,” Sundar wrote in the ‘letter of clarification’.

An AICF official explained that the move was logical and Humpy was wrong in complaining about the federation. The official explained that at least Rs 1.25 lakh is to be spent per person for the entire trip including the travel and lodging costs.

Another argument is that if AICF allows every player to take his personal trainer along, then the role of the team coach (GM RB Ramesh, who is going with the team) is nullified.

Sources said that the AICF asked Ashok to go as team coach, but he refused. Humpy is also alleged to be inclining towards club events than representing India as she had also skipped the World women’s team championship in September saying she wanted to participate more against men.

Whatever the federation might feel, the way Humpy’s protest letter is worded, it seemed more like an attack on Sundar rather than the federation. “Mr. Sundar is testing my patience. Every time I am adjusting and letting things pass on without making an issue. But every now and then he is troubling me. Now I am bringing all these things to the notice of everyone because I cannot bear this any longer. If a world level player like me is suffering so much because of Mr. Sundar, what is the position of upcoming players?” Humpy said in the letter.

She even questioned Sundar’s credentials, while praising other members of the AICF. Humpy’s father Ashok also released a strongly worded statement on Friday, challenging Sundar to have a debate on the allegations levelled by Humpy. “I openly challenge Mr DV Sundar, secretary, All India Chess Federation to participate in the debate in front of the print and electronic media regarding the protest made by chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy. Mr. Sundar is most welcome to participate if he thinks he is right,” said the release.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Sundar has come under the scanner. Early this year, GM GN Gopal faced a 1-year ban for missing the National A competition, which as per the AICF rules, all players must attend. At that time, it was said that Sundar had a spat with Gopal’s father and was intentionally trying to ruin his career.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in

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