Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Passes Torch to Budapest Ahead of 45th Chess Olympiad – News18

Sports minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday handed over the Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, the Hungarian capital, which will host the 45th edition of the prestigious tournament this year.

During a function at the Dhyanchand National Stadium here, Thakur handed over the torch to the FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich and representatives of the host city.

Thakur shared a post pertaining to the event on his social media handle caitioned, “It is an honour and privilege to be part of the historic 100th anniversary celebration of FIDE and the beginning of the momentous legacy of the Chess Olympiad Torch Handoff Ceremony from India.”

“India’s role in the growth and advancement of chess under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji is admired and acknowledged globally,” the post continued.

“From successfully hosting the 44th Chess Olympiad in a short span to initiating the first-ever Torch Relay, India has been at the forefront of promoting chess. With over 50 Grandmasters emerging in the last decade and our young prodigies making waves internationally, we are proud to carry forward the legacy and teachings of chess.”

“As we pass the Torch to Hungary (Budapest) for the 45th Chess Olympiad and it travels worldwide, let’s continue building a future together, united by the spirit of sports. I once again extend my heartfelt wishes to FIDE on its centenary, and greetings to all chess players and enthusiasts worldwide.”

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The tradition of organising the torch relay was first initiated by India in June, 2022 ahead of the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad in Chennai in July-August.

More than 2500 players had taken part in the Olympiad in Chennai and India had finished with nine medals, including historic women’s team bronze.

“Chess is an intellectual legacy that India probably offers to the world, and it is not merely a sport, but a reflection of strategic depth and philosophical wisdom. The elegant sport not only sharpens the mind but also teaches invaluable lessons of patience and resilience and takes one onto the path of intellectual pursuit of strategic mastery,” said Thakur during the ceremony.

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Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand and Hungarian GM Judit Polgar were also present during the ceremony.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)