Anand to lead AICF campaign

Anand, according to Koya, had contacted the AICF office by e-mail from Wijk aan Zee, where he was taking part in the Corus 2001 International Grandmasters Tournament. ‘‘He has assured every support for the campaign.’’

The simultaneous chess will be just one of the extensive programmes chalked out by the federation as part of its golden jubilee. ‘‘We are planning a kind of chess boom in the country,’’ said Koya.

Tie-up with Studio 2100: Another significant development is the keenness shown by Studio 2100, the event management group, in the AICF activities. The Studio 2100, despite its heart-breaking ‘honeymoon’ with the All India Football Federation, the organisers of the much-touted Sahara Cup, has decided to continue its association with the Indian sports.

‘‘We would like to be further involved with the domestic sports development activities. And chess comes first in our priority list,’’ Henna Juneja, the CEO of the event management group, told the New Indian Express the other day in Kolkata.

‘‘Chess is a fast-developing game in this part of the world, and we hope to join the AICF in their efforts to bring big-time chess to the country,’’ said Henna, who also announced her group’s intention to strike a tie-up with the AICF to hold the Asian Chess (individual) Championship in Kolkata.

The CEO also said that more than 20 GMs were expected to take part in the tournament. Though the event is tentatively scheduled for March, it is likely to be postponed.

Ummer Koya, when contacted here, confirmed the deal, the formalities of which were yet to be finalised. ‘‘The AICF is really impressed by the interest shown by the Studio 2100 in the game. We had initial discussions at New Delhi earlier this month. The deal could be finalised after another round of talks in Mumbai.’’

The AICF secretary said that the group had assured a Rs 25 lakh-sponsorship for the Asian championship, the continental version of the World championship. The event was last held in Udaipur. According to Henna Juneja, the tournament is likely to be locally organised by Alekhine Chess Club in Kolkata.