In News: Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Fédération Internationale des ÉchecsFrench (FIDE) or International Federation of Chess’s 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
Noting that the most prestigious tournament in chess had for the first time come to India – the home of chess – during the 75th year of freedom from colonial rule, PM said there had never been a better time for sport in India than the present.
It was only for the first time in three decades the tournament was being organised in Asia with the participation of the highest number of players and teams.
Chess Olympiad
The Chess Olympiad is a biennial chess tournament in which teams representing nations of the world compete.
FIDE organises the tournament and selects the host nation.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, FIDE held an Online Chess Olympiad in 2020 and 2021, with a rapid time control that affected players’ online ratings.
The use of the name “Chess Olympiad” for FIDE’s team championship is of historical origin and implies no connection with the Olympic Games.
