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Yogi hands over Chess Olympiad torch to Viswanathan Anand
The international chess body, FIDE, has for the first time instituted the torch relay at the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad, which will be held from July 28 to August 10 in Mahabalipuram in Chennai. This is a tradition that has been a part of the Olympic tradition, but not a tradition for any other game, including chess.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath handed over the first-ever Chess Olympiad torch relay to legendary Viswanathan Anand for its further journey on Sunday during an impressive ceremony in front of the Vidhan Sabha.
For the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad, to be held from July 28 to August 10 at Mahabalipuram in Chennai, the international chess body, FIDE, had for the very first time instituted the torch relay, which has been a part of the Olympic tradition, but not for any other game including chess.
During the 40 days of its journey, the torch relay will travel from Lucknow to Rajasthan via seven more cities in Uttar Pradesh. The relay will visit 75 cities across the country before making it to Chennai.
In nearly 100 years of the history of the Chess Olympiad it is for the first time that India will be hosting the prestigious event. With 188 countries registered for the upcoming Olympiad, the country is set to witness a large congregation of players for the event.
Yogi, who made a ceremonial move on the chess board against Vishwanath Anand, said: “It is a matter of great pride for us that the Chess Olympiad torch relay is taking place in various cities in the state. We are proud that the game rose from its birthplace and has made its presence felt throughout the world. We are delighted to see chess returning to its birthplace and celebrating its success in the form of the Chess Olympiad.”
“It is an honour not only for India but also for chess,” said the CM, adding, “Chess not only tests one’s patience and attention but also helps one take the right decisions in life.”
Yogi said chess is not just a game but has now become an educational tool. “The sport of chess was very much there in Mahabharata, and I am sure that the conduct of the Chess Olympiad would raise India’s sporting image further.”
In addition, he said that it was a great opportunity for India, the land where this game originated, would host the world championship. “I thank the PM for his support,” he said.
FIDE informed that the torch relay for the future Chess Olympiad would begin in India whenever the event happens next in whichever part of the world.
“In 1956, India participated in the Chess Olympiad for the first time, but it took years before the country won a medal, but it never looked back,” Yogi said.
“Today, there is immense awareness about sports in the country, thanks to our PM. He is not only a sports enthusiast but also a sports fan, who cares about our sportspersons.” He added that the Uttar Pradesh government “has been conducting the Khelo India schemes successfully.”
Earlier, the ceremony started with traditional Indian dances depicting the 64 squares. There were also short films on the development of sports in India and Uttar Pradesh. Sanjay Kapoor, president of the All India Chess Federation, handed the torch relay to the CM after collecting it from international master Vantika Agarwal of UP.
Deputy chief minister Brijesh Pathak, cabinet minister Surya Pratap Sahi, sports minister Girsh Chandra Yadav, chief secretary DS Mishra, ACS home Awneesh Awasthi, ACS information Navneet Sehgal, principal secretary (sports), Kalpana Awasthi and UP’s director sports RP Singh were also present on the occasion.
