'In Sports, There Are No Losers': PM Modi Inaugurates 44th Chess Olympiad

This time in the Chess Olympiad, teams from a record 187 countries are participating in the open category and 162 teams in the women's section.

PM Modi Inaugurates 44th Chess Olympiad (Source: ANI)

New Delhi: Inaugurating the 44th season of Chess Olympiad-2022 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said, "In sports, there are no losers, there are winners and there are future winners." India was the joint winner with Russia in the 2020 Online Olympiad. This time in the Chess Olympiad, teams from a record 187 countries are participating in the open category and 162 teams in the women's section. At the same time, Pakistan has pulled itself out of the 44th Chess Olympiad. Pakistan took this decision at a time when the Pakistan team has reached India.

As PM Modi was on his way towards Jawaharlal Nehru via road, he was accorded a warm welcome with performances by musicians and percussionists along the way. Supporters also showered flowers on PM's car.

"I welcome you all for the 44 Chess Olympiad. The tournament is event has come to the home of chess. It is such an important time for our country. Friends, I would like to applaud the organizers of this tournament. In a very short period of time, they have made outstanding arrangements," said PM Modi.

May the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai be an enriching experience for everyone. Best wishes to all the participants. https://t.co/u2DZzotHGF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2022

"This is the first time, the Chess Olympiad is being held in the origin of the game in India. Olympiad has come to India for the first time. It is coming to Asia after three decades. On behalf of every Indian, I thank FIDE for this event," added PM.

Russia and China are not participating in the Olympiad this time, so India will have a tough competition with Norway, and America. At the same time, five-time world champion and veteran player Viswanathan Anand has decided not to play in the Olympiad. He is associated with this tournament as a mentor.