PM Narendra Modi launch the torch relay of the Chess Olympiad in Chennai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the torch relay of the Chess Olympiad in Chennai on Sunday, 19 June. This year, for the very first time, the International Chess Body, FIDE, has instituted the Chess Olympiad Torch which is part of Olympic tradition but was never done in the Chess Olympiad. India became the first-ever country to have the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay.

The opening ceremony showcased the Indian values of vasudhaiva kutumbakam before the floor was given to Sports minister Anurag Thakur.



The former BCCI president announced that it is quite encouraging that the first ever torch relay for the Chess Olympiad would begin from India. He further added that the torch relay, going forward, will start from India before going into all of the continents.

Notably, taking the Indian roots of Chess to a greater height, this tradition of Torch Relay for the Chess Olympiad will henceforth always begin in India and travel across all continents before reaching the host country, said an official release.