Arjun Erigaisi Feels Sports Ministry's Decision To Scrap Cash Incentive For Making GM, IM, IGM Could Prove Detrimental

In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the chess community, Indian Grand Master Arjun Erigaisi has expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's decision to scrap the cash incentive system for players who breach the Grand Master, International Master, or International Women Master classifications.

Erigaisi, 21, opined that the elimination of this reward system could push parents to reconsider their wards' future in chess, as they may have to make financial calls. "If it is actually the case that it is stopped now, then it's definitely not something that would demotivate a lot of young children as they don't care about the money aspect," he said.

However, Erigaisi also stated that this decision could be demotivating for parents, who must make financial calls after their child becomes a Grandmaster. "And if there is some motivation like this, then there are more chances that they would encourage their children if they have to make a call between chess and studies," he added.

Erigaisi, who had an impressive 2024 with the Indian side winning the Chess Olympiad, attributed his recent slump in form to his penchant for taking risks. "I was taking too many risks and I should be careful. I will tone it down but it doesn't mean that I won't take risks rather I'll take them less rashly because some of my risks were way too rash which just got punished," he asserted.

Despite the slump, Erigaisi has picked up a scalp off World Champion D Gukesh at the Tata Steel Chess Championship, paving the way for compatriot R Pragg to also beat the young champion. On this opportunity, Erigasi revealed that Pragg had even gifted him paprika-flavored Pringles.

Erigaisi, who became the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to breach the ELO 2800 mark, also expressed his excitement for the upcoming Norway Chess Tournament, where he will have the opportunity to face top players such as Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura in the classical format. "I'm very much looking forward to it," he said.

The Indian Grand Master finished the statement by emphasizing that he is looking to strike a balanced approach in terms of taking risks.