The Gujarat High Court is currently investigating allegations brought forward by a visually impaired chess champion, Darpan Inani, regarding the non-payment of a cash reward he earned by winning two gold medals at an international championship
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Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court is investigating claims made by a visually impaired chess champion who says he hasn’t received the cash reward he earned by winning two gold medals at an international championship.
Darpan Inani, a 25-year-old chess maestro from Vadodara, whose prowess on the chessboard has brought him international acclaim. Inani, determined to fight for what he believes is his due, approached the judiciary seeking intervention. His plea to the court was straightforward: to direct the Sports Authority of Gujarat and the state government to dispense the cash reward as stipulated by the sports policy of 2022, which outlines financial incentives for athletes achieving international and national success.
Representing Inani, Advocate Keyur Gandhi presented the case, highlighting the athlete’s remarkable achievements at the Para Asian Games held in China in 2023. Inani’s exceptional skill secured him two gold medals—one on an individual level and the other as a part of the Indian team, in the Rapid Chess category.
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Despite being entitled to a reward of Rs 3 crore for his double gold victory, Inani has received only a fraction of this amount, a mere Rs 40 lakh. To add to the disparity, it was noted that Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, a teammate of Inani from Odisha, was awarded Rs 1.50 crore by the Odisha government for the same accomplishment.
Inani’s legal representative contended that there had been a misinterpretation of the policy regarding cash rewards for players in the handicapped category. Inani’s eligibility for the reward, having not only participated but also emerged victorious in a tournament organized by the World Chess Federation, is beyond dispute.
Justice V.D. Nanavati, presiding over the case, recognized the gravity of Inani’s achievements and the need for equitable support for athletes like him. During the preliminary hearing, when the issue of the unreleased prize money was broached, the Justice remarked, “it is commendable.”
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He further emphasized the necessity of encouragement for players with disabilities, stating-
“Even otherwise, encouragement is needed for such players.”
The next session scheduled for April 26.
