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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.

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PM Modi’s speech sparks massive enthusiasm in Palakkad, Keralam
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a massive public gathering in Palakkad, highlighting the growing momentum for change in Keralam and expressing confidence in the rising support for the BJP-led NDA in the state. “I can clearly see a different atmosphere in the state this time. Keralam is sending a message of change,” he said.

Opening his address, the Prime Minister remarked, “The growing popularity of the NDA, the increasing trust in the BJP, and the overwhelming enthusiasm and presence of people here in Palakkad show that the mood of Keralam has now transformed into a movement.” He further emphasized, “Today, the youth, the women and the farmers of Keralam place their faith in the BJP and NDA.”

The PM credited this shift to the people of Keralam and the dedication of party karyakartas. “This transformation is the result of the blessings of the people of Kerala and the tireless efforts of lakhs of BJP karyakartas. Many of our karyakartas have sacrificed their lives due to political violence. I pay my heartfelt tribute to all of them,” he said.

Launching a sharp attack on both the LDF and UDF, PM Modi stated, “For decades, Keralam has been trapped between two faces of selfish politics -LDF and UDF. One is corrupt, the other is more corrupt. One is communal, the other is more communal. Their policies revolve only around vote bank politics, with no concern for Keralam’s development.”

Highlighting what he termed a 'tacit understanding' between the two alliances, the PM added, “For years, LDF and UDF have taken turns to rule and loot. Now both are targeting the BJP, which shows they fear us. They know that once BJP comes to power, their corruption will be exposed.” He asserted that a future NDA government would investigate all scams and deliver justice to the people of Keralam.

PM Modi also pointed to the developmental support extended by the Centre, stating that Keralam has received significantly higher funds in the last decade compared to previous regimes. However, he criticized the state government for poor utilization of these funds.

On development and employment, PM Modi highlighted the state’s immense potential but lamented the lack of industrial growth and job opportunities, which has led to migration. He contrasted this with initiatives taken by the Centre in Palakkad, including the establishment of an IIT, infrastructure upgrades and plans for a smart industrial city.

Focusing on women-led development, PM Modi said, “Empowering women has been a priority for the BJP. From financial inclusion to healthcare and housing, women are at the center of our schemes. We have also ensured greater political participation through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”

PM Modi exposed Congress misconduct and raised concerns about women’s safety. He said, “In Palakkad, Congress leaders have increasingly posed a safety concern for women. Just yesterday, the party expelled another leader over allegations of exploiting a woman. This reveals an uncomfortable truth about these parties, one that the women of Keralam should be well aware of.”

He also addressed farmers’ concerns, particularly delays in paddy procurement and payments, and highlighted the benefits provided under central schemes like PM-KISAN.

Touching upon global developments, the Prime Minister reassured citizens about the government’s efforts to safeguard Indians abroad amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia. He stressed that the safety and interests of Indian citizens remain the top priority of the NDA government.

“Since the outbreak of the conflict, I have been in constant touch with world leaders. The safety of Indians in affected regions is our top priority, with our embassies working round the clock to ensure their well-being. For the BJP-NDA government, the security of every Indian is paramount. However, the kind of statements being made by the Congress on this sensitive issue are dangerous, as they risk the safety of nearly one crore Indians in Gulf countries for political gain,” he said.

Concluding his address, PM Modi reiterated the vision for a “Viksit Keralam.” “Our resolve is clear- development, dignity and opportunity for every citizen. NDA guarantees an end to forced migration, respect for every youth’s talent, and development free from corruption and political interference. The kind of transformation seen in the rest of India will now be visible in Keralam as well,” he said.