[Watch] 44th Chess Olympiad Declared Open By Modi At Glittering Ceremony

Chennai: Chess had its Olympic moment at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here on Thursday evening.

For the first time in its 95-year history, the Chess Olympiad was declared ‘open’ following a torch relay which reached the venue after covering 75 Indian cities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did the honours as he opened the FIDE 44th Chess Olympiad in the presence of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, five-time World chess champion Viswanathan Anand and other dignitaries at a dazzling ceremony.

“Let the games begin,” Modi announced shortly after Grandmother Anand handed over the Olympiad torch to Modi and Stalin, following which it was handed over to young Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh.

Watch the video clip posted on Twitter by ANI:

“Chess Olympiad is hosted by India at a special time in its history, which marks 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. In sports there are no losers, there are winners and there are future winners,” said Modi, who sported a shawl with a chessboard designed border.

“There are many temples in Tamil Nadu with beautiful sculptures that represent different sports. Tamil Nadu has a strong historical connection with Chess. The state has produced many Chess masters. It’s home to a vibrant culture and the oldest language, Tamil,” the PM added.

The first-ever Chess Olympiad to be held on Indian shores will see 188 teams in Open section and 162 in Women’s event taking part from July 28 to August 10.

Odisha’s eyes will be trained on Padmini Rout. The four-time winner of the National Women’s Premier title has been named India’s Team 2.