The Hindu : Sport / Chess : AAI to support Negi's coaching

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Saturday, Mar 26, 2005

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Sport - Chess

AAI to support Negi's coaching

NEW DELHI, MARCH 25. Airport Authority of India (AAI) has come forward to take care of the coaching requirements of Parimarjan Negi, bronze-medallist in the World (under-12) chess championship held last year.

Negi, the country's youngest International Master norm-holder, has been receiving coaching from Kazakh Grandmaster Evgeny Vladimirov, trainer of the Indian team for the 2002 Olympiad.

Announcing the initiative here on Thursday evening, AAI's Chairman K. Ramalingam said more talented boys and girls from individual disciplines would be supported under AAI's new sports policy in the coming financial year. "Negi is our brand ambassador," declared Mr. Ramalingam.

Under the scheme, Rs. 5 lakhs will be spent on the training/coaching of each selected youngster every year.

Apart from AAI, Negi receives financial assistance from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Amity International School. Indian Airlines takes care of his domestic travel.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vladimirov said Parimarjan had improved a great deal in the past one year. "No doubt, he is a gifted player. He possesses a good analytical power and is open to discuss the mistakes made during a game. He has a flair for tactical and attacking play," said the trainer before adding, "don't go by his looks. Looks can be deceptive."

Currently, Vladimirov is working with Negi ahead of a major event in Dubai to be held next month.

Currently rated at 2316, Negi is due to gain 32.7 points when the next world rating list comes out on April 1. — Our Special Correspondent

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