The All India Chess Federation (AICF) President, Sanjay Kapoor, expressed immense pride as India successfully hosted the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022. Calling it a dream come true moment for the governing body, Kapoor highlighted the event’s significance in propelling Indian chess onto the global stage.
The AICF chief reminisced about Bharat’s remarkable performance in the Chess Olympiad, stating that it marked the beginning of a golden era in Indian Chess. Over 2500 players and 7000 participants from around the world took part in the prestigious event, showcasing the growing influence of chess globally.
During the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay handoff ceremony in Delhi, Kapoor congratulated FIDE on its centennial milestone and credited the progress in Indian chess to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also acknowledged the relentless efforts of the AICF team and the staunch support of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, in making the dream of hosting the Olympiad in Bharat a reality.
The Torch Relay, which traversed through 75 districts of the country, ignited a passion for chess among youngsters, symbolizing the sport’s growing popularity and accessibility across Bharat. The successful hosting of the Chess Olympiad, where Bharat clinched nine medals, including a historic women’s team bronze, cemented the country’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the chess world.
In a symbolic gesture, Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, handed over the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, Hungary, the official host of the 45th edition of the event. The handoff ceremony, held at Delhi’s Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, witnessed Bharatiya Grand Master Vishwanathan Anand engage in a friendly game of chess alongside Minister Thakur against FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Hungarian Grand Master Judit Polgar.
Reflecting on the occasion, Minister Thakur expressed delight at witnessing the fruition of the decision to organize the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay, which was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a ceremony at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium on June 19, 2022. With the torch now passed on to Budapest, Hungary, preparations are underway for the next edition of the FIDE Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place later this year, reaffirming the global appeal and significance of the sport.
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