SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF 1ST EVER TORCH RELAY FOR CHESS OLYMPIAD AT ROCK GARDEN, CHANDIGARH ON JUNE 23, 2022.

I welcome the Chess Olympiad torch at U.T., Chandigarh. It is a matter of pride that we are among the 75 iconic locations in this country that are a part of the 40 - day Chess Olympiad torch relay.

Also it is a proud moment because this year, for the first time, India is going to host the Chess Olympiad Games. It is really historic moment for not only those professionally associated with chess but for all sports lovers of our country.

Friends, the purpose of Torch-Relay is twofold. First, it heralds the Chess Olympic Games and second, it transmits a message of peace and friendship to the people along the route.

It is a pleasure that today, when India is celebrating 75 years of its independence and celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, this torch of the Chess Olympiad will travel to 75 cities of the country.

Chess is India’s gift to the world. Our forefathers invented it as Chaturanga.

As you all know that the Olympic torch always gets ignited in Greece because it is the birthplace of modern Olympics. Similarly, the torch for every forthcoming Chess Olympiad will be lit from India. Decision to this effect has been taken by the International Chess Federation. This decision is a landmark in the history of Chess and the Nation. We all welcome and appreciate it.

Friends,

Our country has always been rich in culture and tradition, and games have been an important part of Indian culture from times in memorial. Gradually, the time changed and so did our sports. But, traditional games were not just games; they were designed in such a way that one can develop lot of skills like logical thinking, building strategy, concentration, basic mathematics, aiming, and lot more. Chess, is one such game.

It is perhaps the most popular and treasured board game in the world, which helps to improve ones focus, sharpen mind and helps to think proactively. Millions of people play it daily. It is getting more popular as the years roll on.

Chess is a unique game that has stood the time trial. I personally believe that it is quite similar to life, where the final result is largely dependent upon the steps taken, and after the end of the game, all the players, whether a king or an ordinary soldier, are placed in the same box. Perhaps, this is the reason why for many centuries humanity has been fond of and played chess in quest of its still unknown, hidden aspects, trying to uncover the endless secrets and depth of this delicate game.

Chess is a game, but it is also an art and a science. It teaches a person the culture of thought and accuracy, creativity and honesty. It imposes deep respect with regard to the opponent.

You may be aware that a total of 189 countries are participating in this Chess Olympiad. It is a powerful social tool, bringing together people form different ethnic, cultural, religious, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Chess or for that matter all Sports empower individuals, transform communities and inspires populations for positive change. They are a tool of transformation, weaning villagers away from addiction, braking caste barriers within the community, bringing women out of the home and empowering them, and reviving spirit and pride in individuals.

Sports plays an important role in improving physical and mental health, and fostering active citizenship and social inclusion. It also inculcates leadership skills, team spirit and enables a person to develop a sense of equanimity during a win or a loss.

Our country has emerged as a new force in the world of sports; 7 medals in Tokyo Olympics, 19 in Paralympics, victory in Thomas cup, female boxers and shooters winning medals in World Championship and other International Events are indicative of the fact that the players of India are creating a new identity in the sports world.

Today, the government is spending millions of rupees on the players, on their diet, fitness and training. One of the most important factors that enable a nation to become a sporting power is the identification and development of right talent. We now have a robust system to spot and nurture talent, and develop world champions.Talent is being identified in every corner of the country at a very young age through the Khelo India Campaign. Every possible help is being given to such players, to make them players of the international level.

Sports have also been given priority in the National Education Policy. Sports have been placed in the same category as other subjects. Earlier, sports were considered as an extracurricular activity, but now it is as important as the rest of the subjects.

In the field of sports, the youth are getting new opportunities apart from playing. Several sports universities are being opened in the country so that you can build a career. We in Punjab, have opened up Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University in Patiala. Sports universities are very important today. They act as nurseries for sports culture to flourish.

Similarly in Chandigarh, the Chandigarh Chess Association has been playing a very active role to promote this game locally since 1989 and has produced two titled players – International master Himal Gussain and Women International master Tarini Goyal. Both these players also became National Champion in their own age categories. There are around 50 International rated players in Chandigarh.

Today, the presence of Deep Sen Gupta the Indian chess Grand Master, here at rock garden and his simultaneously rapid chess games with many young players of Chandigarh would certainly inspire and motivate them to take up chess as game.

The huge event of Chess Olympiad and Olympic Torch Relay would not have happened without the help and support of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji. His love for games and vision for fit India has taken the country to new heights.

I wrap up my speech with the quoting Lasker’s advice. Lasker who held the Chess throne for about three decades said (I quote): “If you see a good move, look for the better.”(unquote).

My best wishes to all the participants, Good Luck!

Thank you,

Jai Hind.