National chess champions FIDE Master Rupesh Jaiswal and Women Fide Master Sujana Lohani will get cash incentives for a year after the duo were nominated brand ambassadors of Sagar Feeds.

The duo, crowned champions in the recently held National Chess Championships in the capital, will get Rs10,000 each month until they are replaced by another national champion in their category.

Chess’s governing body, Nepal Chess Federation (NCF), Sagar Feeds and the two players signed agreements to the effect at a programme held in the capital on Tuesday. It will be the first time that any chess player will get monthly allowances at NCF’s initiation.

“The initiation will be very much helpful for us to motivate us to grow as chess players. I am very much thankful to NCF and Sagar Feeds for making this arrangement,” said Jaiswal. Women FIDE Master Lohani said that it was the beginning of professionalism in Nepali chess’s history. “It will definitely motivate new and aspiring players,” she said.

Gyanendra Parajuli, one of the vice presidents and the chief executive at Sagar Feeds, said they had nominated the duo as part of their corporate social responsibility. “Though it is not a big amount, I hope it will motivate other corporate houses to make investments in sports and the players,” said Parajuli.