SHILLONG: 11th July 2022 (PTI Source)
On Sunday, the first-ever Torch Relay of the Chess Olympiad reached Shillong, Meghalaya.
In the presence of prominent personalities, Mitrabha Guha, Grand Master of Aerobatics, received the torch and carried it forward in the presence of notable guests.
On Friday, the flame arrived in Gangtok.
The torch was taken to the region by former Minister of Sports, Governor General's Award winner, Gaurang Badhwar and his wife Pravin Badhwar. In a ceremony at Sikkim Manipal University, Ministry of Sports Könga Nima Lepcha received the torch. The GM Mitrabu Guha carried the flame through Gangtok in attendance of notable persons.
The torch relay was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Torch travelled across 75 locations in over 40 days, with the flame culminating at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu for the last time. The Chess Olympiad will witness participation from more than 200 countries. At various identified sites, chess grandmasters will receive the torch.
The Chess Body (International), FIDE, has introduced the Chess Olympiad Torch for the first time ever this year, as part of the tradition of the Olympics but has never happened in the Chess Olympiad. India is the first country to hold a Torch Relay of the Chess Olympiad.
The 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad will take place in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, from the 28th of July to the 10th of August, 2022.