While I do not want to get into the merits of the matter as each one is entitled to his own opinion and perception, I find the statement/ press note issued by Samir Salgaocar, the President of the Goa State Chess Association (GSCA) a little too harsh on Shrikant Barve, the Secretary of the Taleigao Chess Academy.
The GSCA has unnecessarily stirred a hornet's nest here. Firstly, they should not have made a mountain out of a molehill by giving Barve's passing comments against the AICF Circular on payment to coaches, made on a remote Internet discussion site, the undue publicity that it deserved but having done so, they should have simply stuck to endorsing the same and not exceeded their brief by hitting Mr. Barve below the belt. Just look at the irony in all this: on the one hand the President admits that Mr. Barve has made such remarks in his independent capacity and is entitled to do so in a democratic set-up while on the other hand he passes the buck to the AICF for initiating any action against Barve that they deem fit, including seeking his expulsion and a Life Ban. Will Samir convene a meeting to show his solidarity with his bosses every time some Tom, Dick or Harry criticizes the AICF and its policies and similarly seek their expulsion? Truly, this is turning out to be a gut-tickling comedy if not a heart- breaking tragedy. I have high regards for Samir Salgaocar otherwise as he is handling the Chess Association extremely well but there is no need for him to get his knickers in a twist and make so much ado about nothing on this issue. He needs to show a bit more maturity. As a neutral observer and an avid chess enthusiast, I have over the years observed both Mr. Salgaocar and Mr. Barve consistently give their blood, sweat and tears to Chess in Goa. Chess buffs would love to see the two of them as comrades, not as foes. They need to bury the hatchet in the larger interest of this game. Cheers Sandeep Heble Panjim-Goa
