Torch Relay for the first time ever in Chess Olympiad
The first-ever Chess Olympiad Torch Relay will be carried out at the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai, India as FIDE today announced a new tradition of institutionalizing the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay.
With 50 days to go, the Olympiad in Chennai broke participants records with 187 countries already enrolled.
“Starting from the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai India, scheduled from July 28 – August 10, 2022, FIDE is instituting Chess Olympiad Torch Relay.
Due to paucity of time, the inaugural edition of the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay will only traverse in India. The route and dates of the relay will be worked out in consultation with the Government of India, State Governments, All India Chess Federation, and other stakeholders.
Starting from the next edition of the Olympiad, in line with the traditions of the Olympic Games the torch will travel across all continents visiting FIDE member territories, ultimately culminating in the host country and city ahead of the opening of the Chess Olympiad.
The Chess Olympiad Torch Relay will always start from India, the land chess originates from, and FIDE is grateful to the Government of India for taking this initiative which will help in popularizing the game of chess and galvanizing the support of fans across the world.” announced FIDE in the official press release.
The announcement was warmly welcomed on social medias: