On an online meeting held on 14th November 2024, the Sports Department of Odisha clearly stated the following guidelines for players seeking recommendations from the AOCA (All Odisha Chess Association) for financial assistance:
- Participation in State Selection Tournaments: Players must participate in state-level selection tournaments based on their eligibility.
- Participation in National Selection Tournaments: Players must represent Odisha in national-level selection tournaments according to their eligibility.
- Participation in Other Odisha-based Tournaments: Players are expected to take part in various tournaments organized within Odisha that hold equivalent weightage when compared to foreign tournaments (International Tournaments).
We request your cooperation and encourage you to participate in the state-organized tournaments. Going forward, it will not be possible for players to receive recommendations from AOCA if they do not comply with these requirements, as AOCA is now answerable to the DSYS (Department of Sports and Youth Services).
Action Required:
Focus on participating in the upcoming tournaments in Odisha.
After completing your sponsored tournaments, please forward your results/performance for further consideration.
Only after fulfilling these criteria, you may request recommendations for financial assistance from DSYS.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
Secretary, AOCA