Early Times Report
Jammu, June 21 : Grand Master Pravin Thipsay today brought ‘Torch Relay of Chess Olympiad’ to Jammu amid grand celebrations at Amar Singh Palace, one of the iconic locations selected for this, attended by the chess enthusiasts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The torch, launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 June, 2022 began its relay from Leh. The torch will travel in 75 cities for 40 days before it culminates at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. 189 countries are participating the in the Chess Olympiad. Chess grandmasters will receive the torch at various identified venues. Grand Master Pravin Thipsay today brought the torch from Srinagar to Jammu’s Amar Singh Palace, one of the iconic locations selected for the torch relay. Mayor Jammu, Chander Mohan Gupta, who was chief guest during the event said that it is an honor and moment of pride for the people of Jammu to receive the torch relay. He further said that this kind of rare event will enthuse Jammu children towards chess and they too can bring laurels to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in this game. Speaking to the media, Grand Master Pravin Thipsay said that for the first time, the International Chess Body, FIDE, has instituted the Chess Olympiad Torch that is part of Olympic tradition, from the biennial Olympiad starting from 28th July to 10th August, in Mahabalipuram. He appealed to the youth to take up chess seriously. He further said that this torch relay will spread a message of peace and harmony all over the world because entire world is like a family. He further said that this is the first time that India is hosting this chess Olympiad which is a matter of pride for all of us. Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Miss Anvy Lavasa, former Minister, Ajat Shatru Singh, Commissioner JMC, Sh. Rahul Yadav and president All J&K Chess Association, Atul Kumar Gupta attended the event. Pravin Thipsay also played rapid chess with youth at Amar Singh Palace. Cultural troupes of Central Bureau of Communication, Regional Office, Jammu also performed during the torch relay ceremony. |