Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the historic torch relay for the 44th Chess Olympiad at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi . This year, for the very first time, International Chess Federation, FIDE, has instituted the Chess Olympiad Torch, a part of the Olympic tradition. India is the first country to have the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich handed over the torch to Prime Minister, who in turn handed it over to Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand. This torch will be taken to 75 cities in a span of 40 days before the final culmination at Mahabalipuram near Chennai. At every location, chess grandmasters of the state will receive the torch. The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held in Chennai from 28th July to 10th August, 2022.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said, Chess teaches everyone that only those people who are far-sighted in their planning achieve real success. He said, the ancestors of the country invented the games like Chaturanga and Chess for the analytical development of the brain. He said, Chess has spread to many countries of the world from India and has become very popular today. He said, in the last eight years, India has improved its performance in Chess. e said, New India’s youth is excelling in every sport and they are breaking records.
Referring to India’s recent successes in Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics, Thomas Cup and boxing the Prime Minister said there is no dearth of talent in the country. Mr Modi said, under the Khelo India’ campaign, the country is searching and shaping these talents. Sports talent is emerging from far flung areas of the country under Khelo India. He also pointed out that sports has been treated as other academic subjects under New Education Policy. He said that many sports universities are being opened in the country.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the pressure of expectations on the player and advised them to give their hundred percent with zero percent tension or pressure. He appealed players for making Yoga part of daily life and for enthusiastic participation in upcoming International Yoga Day.
On the occasion, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said, it is a special occasion for India. Mr Thakur said, more than two thousand players from 188 countries will participate in the Chess Olympiad. He said, a torch relay happens for the first time in Chess Olympiad from India.
