NEW DELHI, July 28: India on Thursday criticised Pakistan for pulling out of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Tamil Nadu, which was inaugurated by the prime minister Narendra Modi, and said it was “highly unfortunate” that Islamabad has “politicised” the prestigious international event.
Reacting to Pakistan’s decision, Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said it was surprising that Pakistan has suddenly taken the decision not to participate in the event.
“It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation after its team has already reached India,” he said.
Bagchi was responding to questions on Pakistan’s decision to pull out from the Olympiad, citing the torch relay of the event passing through Jammu and Kashmir. On this, Bagchi asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will remain an integral part of India.”
The Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai was decked up and sparkled with classy lighting, and a sense of excitement was palpable during the inaugural event for the 44th Chess Olympiad. The sprawling arena in downtown Chennai was buzzing with fresh ideas represented in the form of elegant decor with the undercurrent being the nerve-wracking game of chess.
Sand artist Sarvam Patel created magic with his skill by interspersing ancient Mamallapuram shore temple, the game of chess and the host nation India, besides that of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.
The FIDE 44th Chess Olympiad which commenced on Thursday will end on August 10. The lighting displayed multiple colours and the magic of light embossed on the foreground a grand, big chessboard and the flags of participating countries. The stadium’s dais was decked with king-sized brightly coloured chess pieces of king, bishop, rook, queen, knight and the pawns.
A special dance-song “Vanakkam Chennai, Vanakkam Chess” was screened as well. An audio visual on the theme of sand-sculpting captured the game of chess to be played in Tamil Nadu’s historic sea port town of Mamallapuram.
With an orchestra playing pulsating music, teams from dozens of countries including Japan, China, Australia, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Austria, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, and Barbados were welcomed to unceasing rounds of applause in the stadium. ‘Jai Ho’ was among the Indian instrumental music played while ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered.
All the eight forms of Indian classical dance, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchupudi, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, Sattriya and Bharathanatyam were performed. People who gathered for the inaugural also revelled in the musical treat of Chennai based musician Lydian Nadhaswaram. FIDE anthem was played and a pledge was taken by participants. Top actor Rajinikanth was among the star invitees who were present at the inaugural ceremony.
(Manas Dasgupta)