Chess Olympiad 2022: Olympic-style torch relay to be introduced ahead of 44th Chess Olympiad

Chess Olympiad 2022: Olympic-style torch relay to be introduced ahead of 44th Chess Olympiad, every relay to start from India- The 44th Chess Olympiad to be held in July-August near here will mark the introduction of Olympic-style torch relay which will be run ahead of the showpiece every edition, the world governing body of the sport announced on Tuesday. Follow InsideSport.IN For more updates

Such a relay will always begin from India — the birthplace of chess — and will travel across all continents before reaching the host city.

Chess Olympiad 2022: Olympic-style torch relay to be introduced ahead of 44th Chess Olympiad, every relay to start from India

Also read: Chess Olympiad 2022: FIDE, AICF to celebrate chess origin with introduction of Torch Relay in India

The torch relay will, however, be run only in India this time due to paucity of time and Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand will be one of the participants.

“50 days to go for Chennai Olympiad. Do watch, cheer and join me at the Olympiad Torch Relay,” Anand tweeted.

50 days to go for Chennai Olympiad. Do watch, cheer and join me at the Olympiad Torch Relay . ⁦@aicfchess⁩ ⁦@FIDE_chess⁩ pic.twitter.com/ajVovALWHP

— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) June 7, 2022

The dates and routes of the torch relay will be announced soon after consultation with the government, FIDE and other stakeholders, Olympiad event director Bharat Singh Chauhan said in a press release.

“This initiative will help in popularising the game of chess and galvanising the support of fans across the world,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said.

What a time to be an Indian #chess player. Proud moment.😎 Kudos @aicfchess 👏 #OlympiadFlame #ChessOlympiad #50daystogo https://t.co/9W2VjvqyMl

— Koneru Humpy (@humpy_koneru) June 7, 2022

“Starting from the next edition of the Olympiad, in line with the traditions of the Olympic Games, the torch will travel across all continents visiting FIDE member territories, ultimately culminating in the host country and city ahead of the opening of the Chess Olympiad,” he added.

Chess Olympiad 2022: Olympic-style torch relay to be introduced ahead of 44th Chess Olympiad, every relay to start from India

Top Indian woman chess player Koneru Humpy said in a tweet, “What a time to be an Indian #chess player. Proud moment. Kudos @aicfchess #OlympiadFlame #ChessOlympiad #50 days to go.”

India will be hosting the Chess Olympiad for the first-time ever.

“It is indeed a huge honour for the country. What Athens means for the Olympics is how India will be to the chess community,” Chauhan said.

The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held in Mahabalipuram near here from July 28 to August 10. A record 343 teams in open and women’s sections from 187 countries have already entered for the tournament.

Chess Olympiad 2022: Olympic-style torch relay to be introduced ahead of 44th Chess Olympiad, every relay to start from India

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