Explorer

PM Modi Launches First-Ever Torch Relay For 44th Chess Olympiad

FIDE had said the Olympiad torch relay would always begin from India — the land from which the sport originated from and will travel across all continents before reaching the host city.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the first-ever torch relay at the Indira Gandhi stadium here for the 44th Chess Olympiad that will be held in July-August. The ceremony was also attended by Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Thakur, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich and All Indian Chess Federation President Sanjay Kapoor. 

Speaking at the event PM Modi said: "Our ancestors invented the games like Chaturanga &  Chess for the analytical development of the brain. Children who play Chess are becoming good problem-solvers. In the last 8 yrs, India has improved its performance in Chess." 

PM Modi wished the best to all the players of the Chess Olympiad. 

Talking about policies in field of sports PM Modi said, "schemes like Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India are working towards long term success. We are witnessing results of it as well. Youths are excelling in every sports. We saw global sporting events like Olympics and Paralympics where Indian athletes performed well, breaking old records and setting new records."

"We are working with a target towards 2024 Paris Olympics and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Under TOPS scheme several athletes are being supported," he added. 

"In this 44th Chess Olympiad, over 2000 players from 188 countries will participate. Till now no torch relay happened in Chess Olympiad but FIDE (International Chess Federation) took the decision to do a torch relay for the first time from India," said Union Minister Anurag Thakur. 

FIDE had said the Olympiad torch relay would always begin from India — the land from which the sport originated from and will travel across all continents before reaching the host city.

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Third US Military Plane Carrying 112 Indian Deportees Lands In Amritsar
Third US Military Plane Carrying 112 Indian Deportees Lands In Amritsar
BJP Postpones Meeting To Finalise Delhi CM, Oath Ceremony Likely On Feb 21
BJP Postpones Meeting To Finalise Delhi CM, Oath Ceremony Likely On Feb 21
After Delhi Stampede, Massive Kumbh Rush At Patna, Asansol Railway Stations Cause Chaos: Watch
After Delhi Stampede, Massive Kumbh Rush At Patna, Asansol Railway Stations Cause Chaos: Watch
Prayagraj Express Or Prayagraj Special? Police Say Confusion Over Same Train Names Led To Stampede
Confusion Over Same Train Names Led To Delhi Stampede: Cops
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Railways Over New Delhi Station Stampede: 'Another Systemic Failure…'New Delhi Railway Station Stampede: Porter Reveals Shocking Eyewitness Account of ChaosNew Delhi Railway Station Stampede: Eyewitnesses Blame Administration, Non-Functional Escalator Exposed LapsesNew Delhi Railway Station Stampede: Govt Announces ₹10 Lakh Compensation for Victims' Families

Photo Gallery

Embed widget

We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content. By clicking "Allow All Cookies", you agree to our use of cookies.