Ramakanta Biswas

The first-ever torch relay for the 44th Chess Olympiad was given a grand welcome upon its arrival in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The Chess Olympiad torch relay was given a traditional welcome after it landed at Biju Patnaik International Airport. 

Later, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik welcomed the torch at a special function held at the Lok Sabha Bhawan. 

International Chess Master Padmini Rout, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera and other dignitaries were present in the function.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Patnaik said, “It is a proud moment for India to host as such a grand scale. This year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our independence and it is most appropriate to organise a world sports event like Chess Olympiad. It originates from India and is known as Chaturan. I congratulate the organiser and the chess players across the country.” 

“India has produced some of the best chess players in the world. I am sure this mega event will further promote the game and create future champions,” the CM added. 

The Torch will go to Puri and Konark before moving to its next destination, Raipur in Chhattisgarh. 

On June 19, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the first-ever torch relay for the Chess Olympiad ahead of the 44th edition of the event, which will be held in Mahabalipuram from July 28 to August 10, 2022.

The torch relay will cover 75 iconic locations before ending at Mahabalipuram, near Chennai.

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