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IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches the torch relay for forty fourth Chess Olympiad, at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, Sunday, June 19, 2022. Indian chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports activities Anurag Thakur and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich are additionally seen. {Photograph}: PTI Picture/Atul Yadav
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the first-ever torch relay for the Chess Olympiad forward of the forty fourth version of the occasion, which is to be held in Mahabalipuram from July 28 to August 10.
The worldwide chess physique, FIDE, for the very first time has instituted the torch relay, which is a part of the Olympic custom however was by no means achieved within the Chess Olympiad.
Video: SAI Media/Twitter
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich handed over the torch to the prime minister who gave it to the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
The torch shall be taken to 75 cities in a span of 40 days earlier than arriving in Mahabalipuram close to Chennai. At each location, chess grandmasters of the state will obtain the torch.
Leh, Srinagar, Jaipur, Surat, Mumbai, Bhopal, Patna, Kolkata, Gangtok, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thrissur, Port Blair and Kanyakumari are among the many 75 cities.
IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by Indian chess participant Koneru Humpy throughout the launch of torch relay for forty fourth Chess Olympiad. {Photograph}: PTI Picture/Atul Yadav
In practically 100 years of the historical past of the Chess Olympiad, it is the primary time that India shall be internet hosting the distinguished occasion. With 188 nations registered for the upcoming Olympiad, the nation is ready to witness an enormous congregation of countries for a sporting occasion for the primary time on Indian soil.
Talking on the event, PM Modi, who made a ceremonial transfer on the chess board towards girl Grandmaster Kneru Humpy, mentioned: “The primary-ever torch relay of the Chess Olympiad is ranging from India, it’s also the primary time India is internet hosting the large occasion.
IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indian chess gamers. {Photograph}: PTI Picture/Atul Yadav
“We’re proud that the game rose from its start place and has made its presence felt all around the world. We’re delighted to see chess return to its start place and rejoice its success within the type of Chess Olympiad.
“FIDE has determined that the torch relay will begin from India. It isn’t simply India’s honour however honour for chess.”
Modi mentioned chess is not only a recreation however has now develop into an academic software.
“In India wrestling, kabaddi, malkhamb have been performed to stay match and for analytical abilities, our forefathers invented chess. Chess travelled to complete world and have become well-liked. Immediately chess has develop into an academic software, chess gamers have gotten drawback solvers,” he mentioned.
Modi mentioned yoga and meditation are important to success in chess.
Video: SAI Media/Twitter
Sports activities Minister Anurag Thakur, who additionally attended the grand occasion, thanked the PM for supporting sports activities.
“It’s a large alternative for India that the land the place chess originated, will probably be hosted on this nation. I thank the PM for his endeavour and help.”
“Each time torch relay occurs it should begin from India. In 1956, India participated for first time in Chess Olympiad after which took years to win a medal, however after that, by no means appeared again,” he mentioned.
“Immediately there’s immense consciousness about sports activities within the nation, due to our PM. He is not only a sports activities fanatic, sports activities lover, he’s an avid sports activities fan too who cares about our sportspersons.”
{Photograph}: PTI Picture/Atul Yadav
World chess physique president Dvorkovich mentioned he’s grateful to the Indian authorities for internet hosting the distinguished occasion.
“I’m delighted to start out the brand new custom torch relay in India. Olympic flame is an emblem of Olympic motion and friendship, identical would be the torch relay. In future we plan to broaden the torch relay to your complete world however it should at all times begin from India.”
“FIDE is grateful to Authorities of India for taking this initiative which can make this recreation well-liked. Hope chess can develop into part of instructional programme in all colleges throughout India and the world,” he mentioned.
“India, at this time, is the quickest rising chess nation on the planet. It is a dream to host the Olympiad in India.”
The ceremony began with the standard dances of India depicting the 64 squares.
The programme additionally showcased the historical past of the traditional recreation, its origin and evolution.
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