Chess Olympiad torch reaches Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 23

The Chess Olympiad torch, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from New Delhi on June 19, was received with a much fanfare at Rock Garden here today.

The torch was brought by Grandmaster Deep Sengupta, who later handed it over to UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit. A simultaneous chess event was also held with Sengupta where top nine rated players in Under-15 category played against him.

At the end of the function, Naveen Bansal, vice-president and senior chess player of Chandigarh, received the torch and handed it over to Sengupta for its next destination (Patiala).

The torch will travel across 75 locations in India. Starting from New Delhi, it will reach the final destination, Mahabalipuram, the venue of 44th Chess Olympiad. The All-India Chess Federation is hosting the Olympiad in Chennai (first time in India) from July 28 to August 10. A total of 187 countries are participating in the event.

Sengupta said Indian players would win at least two gold medals in the Chess Olympiad. He added, “The Indian contingent is strong. India is currently among the top four teams and a good performance in this particular championship will surely help us claim the top position. In this particular tournament, the Indian team will face a tough a challenge from the US.”

On the torch relay, he said: “This will surely attract people to know more about the sport. This will attract more children towards chess.”

“It’s a proud moment that our country is the first to have the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay,” said Purohit.

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