Port Blair, Jul 24: The Historic 44th Chess Olympiad Torch Relay which was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 19th June 2022 at New Delhi reached Port Blair on 24th July 2022.
As India is celebrating its 75th year of independence, the 44th Chess Olympiad Torch is being taken to 75 iconic cities of India before culminating at Mahabalipuram, Chennai, the host city of the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad will be held from 28th July to 10 August 2022.
The Chess Olympiad torch was brought by Grandmaster Neelotpal Das and handed over to the Chief Guest Mr. JitendraNarain, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration in a function that was held in the premises of Historic Cellular Jail, Port Blair. The chief guest in return handed over the torch to Kashthuri Bhai an emerging chess player of the A&N Islands in presence of the Grandmaster and other dignitaries.
During his address, Mr. JitendraNarain, Chief Secretary appreciated the young budding chess players who brought laurels to A&N Islands and promised to introduce the chess in School (CiS) Programme in eleven selected schools of A&N Islands where the children will study chess as one of the subjects. He also assured to set up a chess academy in A&N Islands.
Earlier Mr. C Ashok, President, Andaman Nicobar Chess Association welcomed the gathering and highlighted the activities being carried out by the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association in A&N Islands. The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by IAS Vadhita Reddy, Secretary, (Education & Sports).
