To The Editor, The Navhindtimes,
Panaji-Goa June 30, 2008 Sir, *This is in response to letter published in your daily on Monday 30th June 2008 page 17 of Sameer Salgaocar President Goa State Chess Association(GCSA). We would be obliged if you publish it in right spirit.* ** *http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=063067* * * Cronology of events: 1. Taleigao Chess Academy Sports Club (TCA) is registered under Societies Act 1860 Reg. No 553/GOA/2007 with 23 members. 2. TCA had submitted a Bank of India Cheque No. 072876 dt. April 1 2008 for Rs.300/- along with forwarding letter dt.05/04/08 being affiliation fee. 3. We have received receipt of the same No.2631 dt. 12/05/08 which clearly says that Club affiliation fee for 2008-09. 4. As per past record GSCA does not issue any separate communication for affiliation. 5. Our Ex. Secretary Shrikant Barve tendered his resignation on May 20 2008 attached along with a copy of Show Cause Notice received by him from All India Chess Association dt. 16/05/08 which states that he has been suspended with effect from 27/03/08 pending inquiry. 6. All India Chess Federation or Goa State Chess Association has not informed TCA about suspension of TCA Secretary from 27/03/08 nor had asked TCA for status of Shrikant Barve in TCA. 7. From March 27 2008 to June 15 2008 GSCA Executive Body meeting was held on April 6 at Bambolim, May 27 at Zambaulim, June 1 at Panaji and June 15 at Margao. 8. On June 6th 2008 TCA wrote to GSCA a letter (copy attached) informing about future programs but important topic was * Sabotaging of T.C.A.'s T. Purushottam Special Chess Coaching Camp for Goan Players. * We have an unfortunate experience to narrate to you which we would request you to note and to take action. As you are aware, in the interest of Goan chess, we have been conducting special chess coaching programs by inviting good chess players / coaches from outside Goa to impart training to our talented young Goan chess players Shri O. T. Anilkumar (Kerala State Champion ) and Shri B.S.Shivanand (Karnataka State Champion and National A player) are among those who have come to Taleigao Chess Academy several times over the past one year and help Goan children to upgrade their chess skills. Some of Goa's best young players have benefited from their guidance as can be evidenced from their results. In the same spirit we had invited T. Purushothaman (ELO Rating 2290) Andhra Pradesh State Champion in 2006 to conduct a Special Coaching camp from May 28 to June 3, 2008.. He had confirmed his agreement to come to Goa to conduct this camp. But to our surprise we received a phone call just a week before the scheduled camp pleading his inability to come. The following is the email he sent us subsequently: *Dear Mr. Barve,* *After thinking about the issue and consulting with my parents, I have decided that it is better that I cancel my trip, especially after receiving calls from delegates of the AICF. I am sorry if this decision of mine causes inconvenience to you.* *Yours Sincerely,* *Purushothaman.* The statement by Shri Purushothaman that he was canceling his trip, "after receiving calls from delegates of the AICF", saddened us. Instead of offering us their support, the AICF wants to sabotage the activities of T.C.A.. As you are aware, some of the best young Indian chess players including double world U-8 Gold medalist Ivana Furtado were groomed at T.C.A. As a member of the Goa State Chess Association, we request you to take up the matter at every forum available to stop this disgraceful attempt of the AICF to stall the progress of Goan chess. Kindly place this matter on the agenda of the forthcoming Executive body as well as General Body of G.S.C.A. We would specially like the President of G.S.C.A Mr. Sameer Salgaonkar who is also Vice-President of A.I.C.F. to use his influence to counter the sinister designs of the A.I.C.F. This matter is of the utmost importance as in order to give good chess guidance to Goan chess players before National B which is to be held in Goa from September 15 2008 T.C.A. wishes to invite and conduct many more special chess coaching programs. This must not be further sabotaged by the A.I.C.F. 1. TCA has received two separate Registered Letters from GSCA both dt. 20/06/08 along with our cheque and letter. These letter states that "Returning herewith the cheque for Rs.300/- at it is decided in the EBM of GSCA held at Margao on June 15 that the registration of Taleigao Chess Academy will not be renewed until Shri shrikant Barve, their Secretary cleared of all charges by All India Chess Federation who has been suspended from all chess activities pending enquiry." 2. Copy of the Press release of TCA On 24th June 2008 is attached. Topic of TCA's Press conference was "*The Right Move II Career in Sports-National G* Taleigao chess Academy is planning to organize series to seminars on "Career in Sports-National Games Goa" with the main theme is employment opportunities in sport in next few years. These seminars will be held in association with International Center Goa and other organisations. For which we would like to appeal authorities from various fields, please to guide us in their sports field and take part in concern seminars and also we would like to appeal well wishers, supporters, clubs, association, companies, schools, colleges, professionals and others to support this noble cause. First discussion on The Right Move II, "Career in Sports-National Games Goa" is on Thurday, July 10th 2008 Morning 9.30 to 12.30 at International Centre, Goa, Dona Paula. *TCA has not criticized GSCA nor stated that GSCA is illegal. * 3. As per constitution of TCA, President and Secretary of GSCA are ex-officio members of TCA. TCA has sent invitation for Special General Body meeting of Sunday 29/06/08 as has done for earlier General Body Meetings. As every one knows the importance of Shrikant Barve in Chess for Goa and children in particular and it is more than three months from effective date of suspension that is March 27. President of G.S.C.A. Mr. Sameer Salgaonkar who is also Vice-President of A.I.C.F.. Now we can expect positive frame of mind from him and we feel that he will use his influence to expedite the proceeding against Shrikant Barve. Sanjay Barve Secretary *Goa Chess Associations version on TCA outburst* I would be obliged if you would publish the Goa State Chess Association version of the story as well. Chronology of events: 1 Mr Shrikant Barve is suspended by the All India Chess Federation pending enquiry. The same is communicated to him on May 16, 2008. 2. On June 15, GSCA decides not to renew the affiliation of Taleigao Chess Academy as we were under the impression that at that moment Mr Barve is the secretary there. The same is communicated to them and their affiliation fee is returned by our general secretary, Mr Suhas Asnodkar. 3. TCA organises a press conference in which it declares GSCA ‘illegal’ on June 24. Same is covered in your paper the next day. 4. Just two days later, TCA organising secretary Mr Sanjay Barve writes to us (Mr Suhas and myself) to attend his academy meeting and to reaffiliate TCA to which we reply that please clarify your stand on GSCA first. 5. Letter to the editor is published attacking GSCA once again on Saturday June 27 in the section ‘Fankick’. May I point out that we were not informed about Mr Shrikant Barve’s resignation from the post of secretary till after the press conference. We learned about this development only when we received the invitation to attend their meeting. How then do we grant them the renewed affiliation at our executive body? Also, we have never stopped any tournaments conducted by the TCA or any of their students from participating in our tournaments as stated in your ‘Letter to the Editor’ by Sanjay Sawaikar. In fact, in my email to TCA dated June 26, I have specifically informed them that their students will be allowed to play in the upcoming Vasco tournament. Please set the record straight by publishing this letter and in future print our version of the story by contacting our secretary Mr Suhas Asnodkar. - SAMEER A SALGAOCAR, GSCA PRESIDENT
