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.
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.
In practically 100 years of the historical past of the Chess Olympiad, it’s 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.
Speaking on the event, PM Modi, who made a ceremonial transfer on the chess board in opposition to girl Grandmaster Kneru Humpy, mentioned: “The first-ever torch relay of the Chess Olympiad is ranging from India, additionally it is the primary time India is internet hosting the large occasion.
“We are proud that the game rose from its start place and has made its presence felt everywhere in the world. We are delighted to see chess return to its start place and rejoice its success within the type of Chess Olympiad.
“FIDE has decided that the torch relay will start from India. It is not just India’s honour but honour for chess.” Modi mentioned chess isn’t just a recreation however has now turn out to be an academic software.
“In India wrestling, kabaddi, malkhamb were played to remain fit and for analytical skills, our forefathers invented chess. Chess travelled to whole world and became popular. Today chess has become an educational tool, chess players are becoming problem solvers,” he mentioned.
Modi mentioned yoga and meditation are very important to success in chess.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who additionally attended the grand occasion, thanked the PM for supporting sports activities.
“It is a big opportunity for India that the land where chess originated, it will be hosted in this country. I thank the PM for his endeavour and support.” “Whenever torch relay happens it will start from India. In 1956, India participated for first time in Chess Olympiad and then took years to win a medal, but after that, never looked back,” he mentioned.
“Today there is immense awareness about sports in the country, thanks to our PM. He is not just a sports enthusiast, sports lover, he is an avid sports fan too who cares about our sportspersons.” 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, similar would be the torch relay. In future we plan to increase the torch relay to your complete world however it’s going to all the time begin from India.
“FIDE is grateful to Government of India for taking this initiative which will make this game popular. Hope chess can become a part of educational programme in all schools across India and the world,” he mentioned.
“India, today, is the fastest growing chess country in the world. It’s a dream to host the Olympiad in India.” The ceremony began with the normal dances of India depicting the 64 squares.
The programme additionally showcased the historical past of the traditional recreation, its origin and evolution.
Source: www.financialexpress.com