45th Chess Olympiad Torch Handoff Ceremony begins FIDE's centennial celebration

by Shahid Ahmed - 15/02/2024

45th Chess Olympiad Torch Handover ceremony marked the beginning of FIDE's year-long centennial celebration. The Olympiad Torch will travel all over the world. It started its journey from New Delhi in India. The universal torch-bearers of chess - Vishy Anand and Judit Polgar was present. The final destination of the torch will be the host of the Olympiad - Budapest, Hungary, which will take place in about seven months. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE Deputy Chair - WGM Dana-Reizniece Ozola, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports - Anurag Thakur, AICF President - Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, AICF Interim Secretary - A K Verma, Chairman of FIDE Advisory Board - Bharat Singh Chauhan and various other officials were present. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy

The Chess Olympiad Torch starts its journey from New Delhi

On Wednesday 14th February 2024, the 45th Chess Olympiad Torch Handover ceremony took place at Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi. The event witnessed cultural performances and various chess related activities, witnessed the lighting of the Chess Torch by India's Sports Minister - Anurag Thakur.

The universal Torch bearers of Chess - Judit Polgar and Vishy Anand

The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports - Anurag Thakur lighting the ceremonial torch to mark the beginning of Chess Torch Relay

All India Chess Federation President, Dr Sanjay Kapoor’s address beautifully highlighted the significance of the Torch: “Today, as the torch embarks on its journey from India to Budapest, let us remember that it symbolizes the unity and camaraderie that define our global chess family. And the values that it represents: perseverance, determination, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together. Together, let us ignite the flames of inspiration and passion for the game of chess, and may they burn brightly for generations to come.”

Vishy Anand and Anurag Thakur played a friendly game with Judit Polgar and Arkady Dvorkovich

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich delivered an address, further emphasizing the global and unifying nature of chess, stating, "It is my firm belief, and our joint vision at FIDE, that chess is not just a game or a sport, but it is a huge tool to improve our society."

Greatest female chess player of all time - GM Judit Polgar (HUN) flanked by India's third and first GMs Pravin Thipsay and Vishy Anand

Chairman of FIDE Advisory Board - Bharat Singh Chauhan flanked by AICF officials and others

L to R: India's 4th GM Abhijit Kunte, IM Vantika Agrawal, Judit Polgar, Vishy Anand, IM Padmini Rout and WGM Savitha Shri B at India Gate

Players and officials at India Gate

For more photos, please click here.

Judit Polgar tweeted on yesterday's events

Video Gallery

45th Chess Olympiad Torch Handover ceremony Day 0 vlog featuring GM Pravin Thipsay, GM Judit Polgar and WGM Dana Reizniece-Ozola | Video: ChessBase India

45th Chess Olympiad Torch Handover vlog | Video: ChessBase India

A dinner with Vishy Anand and Judit Polgar | Video: ChessBase India

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