New Delhi: Pakistan has decided to pull out of the 44th Chess Olympiad starting Thursday in Chennai, saying that India is 'politicising' the event. Pakistan's move is reportedly in protest against India's torch relay event through Jammu and Kashmir. A Pakistani team was already training for the event. On July 21, the torch relay took off from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from Pakistan, chess giants Russia and China are also not participating in the tournament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate the 44th Chess Olympiad on Thursday in Chennai. Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said in a statement to Radio Pakistan, “India chose to politicize this prestigious international sporting event.”
He also said, “Pakistan was invited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to participate in the Chess Olympiad. A Pakistani contingent was already training for this event.”
Commenting on the withdrawal of Pakistan from the Chess Olympiad just before the opening ceremony, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it was surprising to see Pakistan not participating in this tournament.
"It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation after its team has already reached India", he said as per PTI.
Bagchi asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been, are and will remain an integral part of India."
The Chess Olympiad is being held in India for the first time. About 2500 players from 190 countries are participating in this tournament, held every four years. This time a record 188 teams will participate in the open category and 162 teams in the women's category