Tamil Nadu is chess powerhouse of India: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | July 29, 2022 | 09:10 IST
QuoteChess Olympiad is being hosted in India for the first time; India is fielding its biggest ever contingent in the Competition
Quote“The most prestigious tournament in chess has come to India, the home of chess”
Quote“44th Chess Olympiad is a tournament of many firsts and records”
Quote“Tamil Nadu is chess powerhouse for India”
Quote“Tamil Nadu is home to the finest minds, vibrant culture and the oldest language in the world, Tamil”
Quote“There has never been a better time for sports in India than the present”
Quote“India’s sporting culture is becoming stronger due to the perfect mix of the energy of youth and the enabling environment”
Quote“ In sports, there are no losers. There are winners and there are future winners”

Good evening Chennai! Vanakkam! Namaste!

Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri R. N. Ravi ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M.K.Stalin ji, Ministers and dignitaries, FIDE President Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich ji, All the chess players and teams participating in this tournament, Chess lovers from all over the world, Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to the 44th Chess Olympiad being held in India. The most prestigious tournament in chess has come to India, the home of chess. This tournament is here at a special time in India’s history. This is the year we are marking 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. it is our Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav It is an honour to have you here at such an important time for our country.

Friends,

I would like to applaud the organisers of this tournament. In a very short period of time, they have made outstanding arrangements. We in India believe in ‘अतिथि देवो भव’, which means, ‘A guest is like God’. Thousands of years ago, Saint Thiruvalluvar said: इरुन-दोम्बी इलवाड़-वदेल्लाम् विरून-दोम्बी वेड़ाणमई सेय्दर् पोरुट्टु | It means, the whole purpose of earning a living and having a home is to be hospitable. We will make every effort to make you feel comfortable. We will help you bring your best game to the board.

Friends,

The 44th Chess Olympiad has been a tournament of many firsts and records. This is the first time the Chess Olympiad is being held in the place of origin of chess, India. It is coming to Asia for the first time in 3 decades. It has the highest ever number of countries participating. It has the highest ever number of teams participating. It has the highest number of entries in the women’s section. The first ever Torch Relay of the Chess Olympiad started this time. This Chess Olympiad will be in our memories forever.

Friends,

Since it is 75 years of our freedom, the Torch Relay for the Chess Olympiad travelled to 75 iconic locations. Its over twenty-seven thousand kilometre journey has ignited the minds of youngsters and motivated them to take up Chess. It is also a matter of pride that the torch relay for the Chess Olympiad will always start from India in the future. On behalf of every Indian, I extend my thanks to FIDE for this gesture.

Friends,

The place at which this Chess Olympiad is happening is most fitting. There are many temples in Tamil Nadu with beautiful sculptures that represent different sports. Sport has always been considered divine in our culture. In fact, in Tamil Nadu, you will find the temple of Chaturanga Vallabhanathar. This temple at Thirupoovanur has an interesting story related to chess. Even God played a game of chess with a princess! Naturally, Tamil Nadu has a strong historical connection with chess. This is why it is a chess powerhouse for India. It has produced many of India’s chess grandmasters. It is home to the finest minds, vibrant culture and the oldest language in the world, Tamil. I hope you get the opportunity to discover Chennai, Mahabalipuram and nearby areas.

Friends,

Sports is beautiful because it has the inherent power to unite. Sports brings people and societies closer. Sports nurtures a spirit of teamwork. Two years ago the world began to fight the biggest pandemic seen in a century. For a long time, life came to a standstill. In such times, it was various sports tournaments which brought the world together. Each tournament gave the important message - we are stronger when together. We are better when together. I am seeing the same spirit here. The post-COVID period has made us realise the importance of fitness and wellness, both physical and mental. That is why it is important to encourage sporting talent and invest in sporting infrastructure.

Friends,

I am glad to share that there has never been a better time for sports in India than the present. India had its best-ever performances in the Olympics, Paralympics and Deaflympics. We achieved glory even in sports where we had not won earlier. Today, sports is seen as a great profession of choice. India’s sporting culture is becoming stronger due to the perfect mix of two important factors. Energy of youth and enabling environment. Our talented youngsters, especially from small towns and villages, are bringing glory. It is heartening to see women at the lead of India’s sports revolution. The administrative framework, incentive structures and infrastructure have been revolutionized.

Friends,

Today is a good day for international sports. We have the 44th Chess Olympiad starting here in India. In the U.K, the 22nd Commonwealth Games will begin today. Thousands of athletes from many parts of the world are keen to make their nations proud. I wish them all the best!

Friends,

In sports, there are no losers. There are winners and there are future winners. I wish all the teams and players gathered here the very best for the 44th Chess Olympiad. I hope you form great memories of India and treasure them in the times to come. India will always welcome you with open arms. All the best! Now, I declare the 44th Chess Olympiad open! May the games begin!

  • Jitendra Kumar April 08, 2025

    🙏🇮🇳❤️
  • krishangopal sharma Bjp January 26, 2025

    नमो नमो 🙏 जय भाजपा🙏🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌷🌹
  • krishangopal sharma Bjp January 26, 2025

    नमो नमो 🙏 जय भाजपा🙏🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌹
  • krishangopal sharma Bjp January 26, 2025

    नमो नमो 🙏 जय भाजपा🙏🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹
  • krishangopal sharma Bjp January 26, 2025

    नमो नमो 🙏 जय भाजपा🙏🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷
  • krishangopal sharma Bjp January 26, 2025

    नमो नमो 🙏 जय भाजपा🙏🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷🌹
  • didi December 25, 2024

    .
  • Devendra Kunwar October 17, 2024

    BJP
  • Shashank shekhar singh September 29, 2024

    Jai shree Ram
  • दिग्विजय सिंह राना September 20, 2024

    हर हर महादेव
Explore More
প্ৰতিগৰাকী ভাৰতীয়ৰ তেজ উতলি আছে: মন কী বাতত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰী মোদী

Popular Speeches

প্ৰতিগৰাকী ভাৰতীয়ৰ তেজ উতলি আছে: মন কী বাতত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰী মোদী
India & Japan: Anchors of Asia’s democratic future

Media Coverage

India & Japan: Anchors of Asia’s democratic future
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Prime Minister Extends Best Wishes as Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Commences in Rajgir, Bihar on National Sports Day
August 28, 2025

The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has extended his heartfelt wishes to all participating teams, players, officials, and supporters across Asia on the eve of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, which begins tomorrow, August 29, in the historic city of Rajgir, Bihar. Shri Modi lauded Bihar which has made a mark as a vibrant sporting hub in recent times, hosting key tournaments like the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship 2025, ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2024 and Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

In a thread post on X today, the Prime Minister said,

“Tomorrow, 29th August (which is also National Sports Day and the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand), the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 begins in the historic city of Rajgir in Bihar. I extend my best wishes to all the participating teams, players, officials and supporters across Asia.”

“Hockey has always held a special place in the hearts of millions across India and Asia. I am confident that this tournament will be full of thrilling matches, displays of extraordinary talent and memorable moments that will inspire future generations of sports lovers.”

“It is a matter of great joy that Bihar is hosting the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025. In recent times, Bihar has made a mark as a vibrant sporting hub, hosting key tournaments like the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship 2025, ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2024 and Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024. This consistent momentum reflects Bihar’s growing infrastructure, grassroots enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing talent across diverse sporting disciplines.”