Parents playing politics, says Kunte

NAGPUR, April 8: Unaware of the news that he had been awarded the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, International Master Abhijit Kunte was busy dis...

NAGPUR, April 8: Unaware of the news that he had been awarded the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, International Master Abhijit Kunte was busy discussing with a colleague his loss to Neelotpal Das in the BPCL National A Chess Championship yesterday.

The cloud on his brow briefly lifted when this reporter disclosed the news to the IM. But it made no major difference. The duo was soon back at the verbal post-mortem.

A weary Kunte agreed to speak about his success, albeit reluctantly. “I’m very happy I have received the award,” came a customary one-liner.

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“Had I noticed one move, I would have won on the 32nd move. And a blunder on the 42nd move cost me the match,” he added. “Sasikiran is leading by 1.5 points and I feel the lead is enough with three rounds to go,” he added when asked about his chances in the ongoing tournament.

Kunte lamented the dipping chess talent in the state, and said players were not getting proper guidance. “Parents of the players are more involved in politics. How can you expect the kids to perform?” he asked.

Kunte, who works with Indian Oil as a sports officer, is yet to decide about his participation in the Commonwealth Chess Championship, at Bikaner from April 15. “I have played about 60 games in the recent past and now want some rest before I leave for Europe to take part in some international tournaments,” he said.

Another reason for skipping the meet is that his final exams, for a Diploma in Business Management, are scheduled during the same period. He was expected to take a final decision after consulting his parents in Pune tonight.