New Delhi: World Chess Federation (FIDE) on Tuesday awarded the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to host the 44th Chess Olympiad in July later this year, according to AICF.
The event, known as the biggest chess spectacle in the world, will be the biggest ever sporting event held in India with likely participation of over 150 Countries from around the world.
AICF, with Tamil Nadu Govt. has decided to host the event near Mahabalipuram in Chennai to ensure a picturesque sight and great facilities for the participating countries.
The Tamil Nadu Govt. under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. M K Stalin came forward very graciously to hold this mega event at such a short notice.
The Olympiad, originally scheduled to be held in Moscow, Russia at the same time had to be shifted by FIDE due to the current political situation. As FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich started looking for possible venues, India was amongst the first to propose to host the event and it was granted in a special meeting held by FIDE on Tuesday evening.
The Chess Olympiad is an event like none other. In the last edition at Batumi in Georgia in 2018, there were 185 participating countries. FIDE has increased membership since then and there is every chance that we will beat the Batumi record by a few more countries participating. It may be recalled that the biennial event could not be held in 2020 due to Covid-19 and it was organized online.
“It’s a matter of great pride and responsibility that we are entrusted with and we are committed to make it a grand success. The entire Chess fraternity of the country is ready to come together for this. This event is here because of our chess family. Let’s celebrate this together”, said Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, AICF President.
