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ShareMumbai: GM Koneru Humpy has accused the All India Chess Federation (AICF) of "ill treating" her and causing her mental pain due to "harassment".
In a scathing letter distributed among select members of the national and international media, the world's second-best woman chess player alleged that AICF secretary DV Sundar's 'insane behaviour' has caused her untold suffering.
"He is testing my patience. I cannot bear this any longer," she wrote.
The GM declared that she was pulling out of the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam (starting on November 2) and held the AICF secretary responsible for her decision.
"I have withdrawn due to some nasty circumstances caused by Sundar. I need to be mentally peaceful. I was put under a lot of pressure and stress. I am not in a position to participate," her letter read.
The AICF said Humpy's "personal attack" on an "honest administrator" is unwarranted.
"She should play for the country. She will have the blessings of 100 crore people," said RM Dongre, a vice-president of the AICF whom Humpy, incidentally, praised in her letter. Citing a long list of incidents, Humpy alleged that the AICF refused to allow her father and personal trainer K Ashok to accompany her to Vietnam even after the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) approval. According to her, the IOA wanted a letter from the AICF and Sundar reneged on his words after initially agreeing to it.
Humpy said that during the 2006 Turin Olympiad, she played 12 out of 13 games in spite of her illness but got a warning letter from Sundar in return. "I was warned because I didn't wear the designated T-shirts."
She pointed out that during the September 2008 World Championship in Nalchik, Russia, her return ticket was booked in the middle of the event due to which her father had to go out and spend time for the change of ticket dates. She also alleged that in Nalchik, Sundar put pressure on her to participate in the Olympiad even after she had intimated him about her unavailability.
She said Sundar wanted her to play in the tournament of his choice. "I must have the freedom to choose the tourney where I can compete with my peers as World No.2," she contended, stating that the AICF secretary's understanding of the game is very poor.
Humpy said one should note that if a world-level player like her is suffering, what could be the position of upcoming players. "It's time for everyone to think of it," she signed off.
