Mera Saansad
Search Search
Assamese language

PM launches historic torch relay for 44th Chess Olympiad

Published By : Admin | June 19, 2022 | 17:00 IST
India to host Chess Olympiad for the first time
FIDE President thanks PM for his leadership
“This honour is not only the honour of India, but also the honour of this glorious heritage of chess”
“I hope India will create a new record of medals this year”
“If given the right support and the right environment, no goal is impossible even for the weakest”
“Farsightedness informs India’s sports policy and schemes like Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) which have started yielding results”
“Earlier youth had to wait for the right platform. Today, under the 'Khelo India' campaign, the country is searching and shaping these talents”
“Give your hundred percent with zero percent tension or pressure”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched the historic torch relay for the 44th Chess Olympiad today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich handed over the torch to the Prime Minister, who in turn handed it over to Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand. This torch will be taken to 75 cities in a span of 40 days before the final culmination at Mahabalipuram near Chennai. At every location, chess grandmasters of the state will receive the torch. Prime Minister Modi also made the Khelo Chess Ceremonial move followed by Ms Koneru Humpy making a move. Union Ministers Shri Anurag Singh Thakur and Shri Nisith Pramanik, Chess players and enthusiasts, Ambassadors, Chess Officials were among those present on the occasion.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich thanked the Government of India for taking the initiative in the start of the new tradition of torch relay which will popularise and galvanise the game all over the world. “FIDE is grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his presence and honouring us” he said and recalled the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion of most players playing chess in one place in 2010 on the significance of the game of Chess in building new capabilities and role of combination of education and sports in leading to success. The FIDE President hoped that Chess would become part of all schools across India and all over the world. He said “India today is the fastest growing Chess country today and you have all grounds to be proud of that. We are grateful for your leadership for all the fantastic work that you are doing in the interest of Chess.”

Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister said “Today the first torch relay for Chess Olympiad games is starting from India. For the first time, this year, India is also going to host Chess Olympiad games. We are proud that a sport, starting from its birthplace and leaving its mark all over the world, has become a passion for many countries.” He continued “Centuries ago, the torch of this sport went to the whole world in the form of Chaturanga from India. Today the first Olympiad torch of chess is also coming out of India. Today, when India is celebrating its 75th year of independence, Amrit Mahotsav, this Chess Olympiad torch will also go to 75 cities of the country.” He said “FIDE has decided that the torch relay for each Chess Olympiad game will start from India itself. This honour is not only the honour of India, but also the honour of this glorious heritage of chess. I congratulate FIDE and all its members for this”

The Prime Minister dwelled on the India heritage in Chess. He said “our ancestors invented games like Chaturanga or Chess for analytical and problem solving brains. Chess, via India, reached many countries of the world and became very popular. Today, chess is being used in schools as an education tool for young people, for children.” He noted that in recent years, India is consistently improving its performance in Chess. This year, India’s contingent in the Chess Olympiad is the biggest so far. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that India will create a new record of medals this year.

The Prime Minister talked about many lessons that Chess gives us in our lives. Underlining the need for right support for everyone irrespective of their place in life, the Prime Minister said “Just like every piece of chess has its own unique strength and a unique ability. If you make the right move with a piece and use its power properly, then it becomes the most powerful. This specialty of Chessboard gives us the big message of life. If given the right support and the right environment, no goal is impossible even for the weakest.”

Highlighting another lesson from Chess, the Prime Minister said “Another great feature of the game of chess is farsightedness. Chess tells us that real success comes from far-sighted rather than short-term success.” The Prime Minister pointed out that this lesson informs India’s sports policy and schemes like Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) which have started yielding results.

Referring to India’s recent successes in Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics, Thomas Cup and boxing the Prime Minister said “There is no dearth of talent in our country. There is no dearth of courage, dedication and strength among the youth of the country. Earlier these youths of ours had to wait for the right platform. Today, under the 'Khelo India' campaign, the country is searching and shaping these talents.” Sports talent is emerging from far flung areas of the country under Khelo India and modern sporting infrastructure is being created in different towns and districts of the country. He also pointed out that sports has been treated as other academic subjects under New Education Policy. He said that many new dimensions of sports like physio, sports science are coming to the fore and many sports universities are being opened in the country.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the pressure of expectations on the player and advised them to give their hundred percent with zero percent tension or pressure. He said that the country sees your hardwork and dedication. As much victory is part of the game, preparing to win again is also part of the game. Referring to the cost of one wrong move in Chess the Prime Minister said if the game can go by one mistake, one can retrieve the situation by the use of brain power, therefore staying calm is of utmost importance. He suggested that Yoga and Meditation can help in this a great deal. He appealed for making Yoga part of daily life and for enthusiastic participation in upcoming International Yoga Day.

This year, for the very first time, the International Chess Body, FIDE, has instituted the Chess Olympiad Torch that is part of Olympic tradition, but was never done in the Chess Olympiad. India will be the first-ever country to have the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay. 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.

The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held in Chennai from July 28 to August 10, 2022. The prestigious competition, which has been organised since 1927, is being hosted in India for the first time and in Asia after 30 years. With 189 countries participating, this will be the largest participation in any Chess Olympiad.

Click here to read full text speech

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
শ্ৰী ৰাম জনমভূমি মন্দিৰৰ ধ্বজাৰোহণ উৎসৱত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰীৰ সম্বোধনৰ অসমীয়া অনুবাদ

Popular Speeches

শ্ৰী ৰাম জনমভূমি মন্দিৰৰ ধ্বজাৰোহণ উৎসৱত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰীৰ সম্বোধনৰ অসমীয়া অনুবাদ
View All
1 in 4 iPhones are now made in India as Apple ramps up production by 53 per cent

Media Coverage

1 in 4 iPhones are now made in India as Apple ramps up production by 53 per cent
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Tiruchirappalli turns out in huge numbers for PM Modi’s public meeting
March 11, 2026
Tamil Nadu wants change. Tamil Nadu wants NDA: PM Modi
By elevating Madurai Airport to international status, we are bringing the world to the doorstep of Madurai: PM’s announcement
I promise you that under the NDA, the women of Tamil Nadu will live without fear: PM Modi assures at Tiruchirappalli rally
In every situation, our government puts India First. Just as 140 crore Indians showed maturity during the COVID pandemic, I am confident we will navigate every challenge successfully: PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
In DMK rule, everything starts and ends with one family. Ministers may change, MLAs may change, but power remains with a single dynasty: PM Modi’s sharp criticism

At a massive public meeting in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tiruchirappalli as a land of courage and faith, recalling the bravery of the Marudu Brothers and paying tribute to Major M. Saravanan for his sacrifice during the Kargil War. “Trichy is a land of courage and faith,” he said, adding that the Centre proudly honours Tamil Nadu’s culture and heritage. He also highlighted that C. P. Radhakrishnan, a son of the state, serves as the Vice President of India.

Speaking about his deep connection with the people of Tamil Nadu, PM Modi said that whether through rallies in the state, personal meetings across the country or programmes like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, he has always made efforts to engage with the Tamil community. “Just like the river Kaveri flows with unstoppable force during Aadi Maasam, the desire for change in Tamil Nadu is also gaining huge momentum,” he said, asserting that people now want a government that works for every family, not just one.


Underlining major investments in Tamil Nadu’s development, PM Modi noted that his recent visits to Trichy and Madurai were linked with the launch of projects worth thousands of crores. He said the projects announced during the current visit alone are worth around ₹5,600 crore and cover sectors such as clean energy, manufacturing, highways, railways and rural roads. These investments, he added, will create thousands of employment opportunities for the youth.


Highlighting improvements in connectivity, the PM spoke about the modern terminal built at Trichy Airport and the decision to grant international status to Madurai Airport. “By elevating Madurai Airport to international status, we are bringing the world to the doorstep of Madurai,” he said. He added that this will boost tourism, pilgrimage and trade, noting that even products like the famous Madurai Malli flowers could now reach global markets within hours.


Launching a sharp attack on the ruling party, PM Modi accused the DMK of betraying the mandate given by the people in 2021. “In DMK rule, everything starts and ends with one family. Ministers may change, MLAs may change, but power remains with a single dynasty,” he said. He further alleged that corruption had become institutionalised, claiming that Tamil Nadu was being treated as an ‘ATM for one family’.

Raising concerns about farmers’ welfare, PM Modi stated the farmers of the Cauvery delta are the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s food security and deserve better infrastructure and fair prices. He accused the state government of failing to deliver on promises, such as building grain warehouses and increasing the MSP for paddy, while also expressing concern about illegal sand mining damaging rivers and the environment.

Highlighting women’s empowerment initiatives, PM Modi said the Union Government’s policies have significantly expanded financial inclusion and economic opportunities for women. He pointed to schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, noting that crores of women have benefited through bank accounts, entrepreneurial loans and home ownership.

The Prime Minister alleged that crimes against women had increased under the current government. “I promise you that under the NDA, the women of Tamil Nadu will live without fear. We will ensure strong law and order where criminals fear the law, not the people,” he said.

Addressing global developments, PM Modi spoke about the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its impact on global energy supply chains. He urged people not to panic and to rely only on verified information. “In every situation, our government puts India First. Just as 140 crore Indians showed maturity during the COVID pandemic, I am confident we will navigate every challenge successfully,” he said.

Concluding with a call for political change, the Prime Minister said the upcoming election presents a clear choice between corruption and dynasty politics on one side, and development and honest governance on the other. “Let your voice from Trichy echo across the state. Tamil Nadu wants change. Tamil Nadu wants NDA,” he said.