Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Launch First-Ever Chess Olympiad Torch Relay in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to kick off the first-ever Chess Olympiad Torch Relay for the 44th edition of the event on June 19 at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium in New Delhi. This historic event is a part of the Olympic tradition and will see the torch travel to 75 cities across the country before reaching its final destination in Mahabalipuram near Chennai.

The International Chess Body, FIDE, has introduced the Chess Olympiad Torch for the first time, marking a significant moment in the history of the sport. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich will pass on the torch to the Prime Minister, who will then hand it over to Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand. The torch will then embark on a 40-day journey, visiting cities like Leh, Srinagar, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, and many more.

The 44th Chess Olympiad is scheduled to take place in Chennai from July 28 to August 10, 2022, and this Torch Relay is expected to generate excitement and interest in the sport across the country. Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand expressed his enthusiasm for being a part of this historic moment, highlighting the significance of the torch relay in promoting chess in India.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) officials also shared their excitement about the event, emphasizing the impact it will have on popularizing chess in the country. With 188 countries participating in the upcoming Olympiad, India is set to host a prestigious international event that will showcase the country’s growing prominence in the world of chess.

The AICF has launched a social media campaign called ‘Namaste World’ to welcome the global chess community to India for the 44th Chess Olympiad. This event is not only a milestone in Indian sporting history but also a testament to the country’s commitment to becoming a global chess powerhouse.

As the torch relay sets off on its journey across India, it is expected to inspire and engage chess enthusiasts from all walks of life. The combination of tradition, sport, and national pride makes this Chess Olympiad Torch Relay a truly unique and memorable event that will leave a lasting impact on the Indian chess community.