Chess Olympiad: PM Narendra Modi flags off Torch Relay for first time ever within the historical past of the event

In a primary of a form occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the torch relay of the Chess Olympiad in Chennai on Sunday, 19 June. This 12 months, for the very first time, the International Chess Body, FIDE, has instituted the Chess Olympiad Torch which is a part of Olympic custom however was by no means executed within the Chess Olympiad. India grew to become the first-ever nation to have the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay.

The opening ceremony showcased the Indian values of vasudhaiva kutumbakam earlier than the ground was given to Sports minister Anurag Thakur. The former BCCI president introduced that it’s fairly encouraging that the primary ever torch relay for the Chess Olympiad would start from India. He additional added that the torch relay, going ahead, will begin from India earlier than going into all the continents.

Notably, taking the Indian roots of Chess to a better top, this custom of Torch Relay for the Chess Olympiad will henceforth at all times start in India and journey throughout all continents earlier than reaching the host nation, mentioned an official launch.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich handed over the torch to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in flip handed it over to Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand.

This torch will then be taken to 75 cities in a span of 40 days earlier than the ultimate end result at Mahabalipuram close to Chennai. At each location, chess grandmasters of the state will obtain the torch.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister of India mentioned that India was proud {that a} sport with Indian roots has gone overseas and has made its mark the world over. He additional added that within the period of the web, chess continues to be being celebrated by many the world over.

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“Chess was present in its earliest form as Chaturanga in India and it is a matter of pride that the first Torch Relay will happen from India.”

He expressed due to FIDE for his or her function on this course of and mentioned that whoever received the event, it will be a win for the game itself.

He delved right into a historical past lesson a bit, narrating that the forefathers in India created video games like Chaturanga to maintain their brains sharp and within the fashionable world, children are rising as much as be drawback solvers after enjoying the sport of chess since childhood.

The forty fourth Chess Olympiad will probably be held in Chennai from July 28 to August 10, 2022. The prestigious competitors, which has been organised since 1927, is being hosted in India for the primary time and in Asia after 30 years.