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June 19, 2022
Prime Minister Modi launches Historic Torch Relay for 44th Chess Olympiad.
• India to host Chess Olympiad for the first time.
Photo: Prime Minister Modi launches the torch relay for the 44th Chess Olympiad in New Delhi on June 19, 2022.
New Delhi, June 19, 2022 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India launched the historic torch relay for the 44th Chess Olympiad today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. FIDE (World Chess Federation) President Arkady Dvorkovich handed over the torch to the Prime Minister, who handed it over to Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand. This torch will visit 75 cities in 40 days before the final culmination at Mahabalipuram near Chennai. At every location, chess grandmasters of the state will receive the torch. Prime Minister Modi also made the Khelo Chess Ceremonial move, followed by Ms. Koneru Humpy making a move. Union Ministers Shri Anurag Singh Thakur and Shri Nisith Pramanik, Chess players and enthusiasts, Ambassadors, and Chess Officials were also present.
FIDE (World Chess Federation) President Arkady Dvorkovich thanked the Government of India for starting the new tradition of the torch relay, which will popularise and galvanize the game worldwide. “FIDE is grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his presence and honoring us,” he said. The FIDE President hoped that Chess would become part of all schools across India and worldwide. He said, “India is the fastest-growing Chess country today, and you have all grounds to be proud of that. We are grateful for your leadership for all the fantastic work you are doing in the interest of Chess.”
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “Today, the first torch relay for Chess Olympiad games is starting from India. India will host the Chess Olympiad games for the first time this year. We are proud that a sport, starting from its birthplace and leaving its mark worldwide, has become a passion for many countries.” He continued, “Centuries ago, the torch of this sport went to the whole world in the form of Chaturanga from India. Today the first Olympiad torch of Chess is also coming out of India. Today, when India is celebrating its 75th year of independence, Amrit Mahotsav, this Chess Olympiad torch will also go to 75 cities of the country.” He said, “FIDE has decided that the torch relay for each Chess Olympiad game will start from India itself. This honor is not only the honor of India but also the recognition of this glorious heritage of Chess. I congratulate FIDE and all its members for this”
The Prime Minister dwelled on the Indian heritage in Chess. He said, “our ancestors invented games like Chaturanga or Chess for analytical and problem-solving brains. Chess, via India, reached many countries and became very popular. Today, Chess is being used in schools as an educational tool for young people, for children.” He noted that India has consistently improved its Chess performance in recent years. India’s contingent in the Chess Olympiad is the biggest this year.
The Prime Minister talked about many lessons that Chess gives us in our lives. Underlining the need for the proper support for everyone irrespective of their place in life, the Prime Minister said, “Just like every piece of Chess has its unique strength and a unique ability. It becomes the most powerful if you make the right move with a piece and use its power properly. This specialty of Chessboard gives us a big message about life. If given the right support and environment, no goal is impossible even for the weakest.”
The Prime Minister highlighted another lesson from Chess: “Another great feature of the game of Chess is farsightedness. Chess tells us that real success comes from far-sighted rather than short-term success.”
The 44th Chess Olympiad will take place in Chennai from July 28 to August 10, 2022. The prestigious competition, organized since 1927, is hosted in India for the first time and in Asia after 30 years. With 189 countries participating, this will be the most extensive participation in any Chess Olympiad.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:40 PM | Link to this Post
