On June 25, 2025, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) launched the Top National Players Stipend Scheme (TNPSS). The program provides quarterly financial aid to top-performing young chess players in age groups Under-7 to Under-19. It aims to reduce financial barriers and boost grassroots chess participation across the country.

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• AICF launched TNPSS on June 25, 2025, for U-7 to U-19 chess players.
• First stipend disbursement of ₹42.30 lakh sent to 78 players.
• Equal support to 39 boys and 39 girls ensures gender parity.
• Quarterly stipend ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per player.
• Aims to reduce financial hurdles in training, tournaments, and travel.
• Encourages performance in national-level chess competitions.
• Helps build future champions through early financial support.
• Strengthens India’s position in global chess through long-term planning.
• Marks first-ever structured financial aid for junior chess in India.
• Scheme aligns with AICF’s mission to expand chess at grassroots.