By Our Special Correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 44th Chess Olympiad on Thursday amid visible honors for Chief Minister MK Stalin, with the state government organizing a feast of Tamil culture.
"Tamil Nadu has a strong historical connection with chess," Modi said, wearing a shawl and dhoti with a checkered border, referring to Saturanga Vallabhanathar, the deity of chess in Thiruvarur district's Tiruppovanur.
Appreciating the organizers for making the best arrangements, the Prime Minister said that this is the first time that India, the birthplace of chess, is organizing the Chess Olympiad. He added that this is also the case in Asia after three decades.
The event attracted a record number of entries in the Open (188) and Women's (162) categories. Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand handed over the chess torch to Stalin which toured the country.
Modi and chess champions accompanied him in receiving it. Stalin said it took four months for the state government to move the Olympiad out of Russia.
"Normally, it takes 18 months to organize such an event," he said, adding that the state would spend Rs. 102 crores spent.
Recalling Modi's fondness for chess, Stalin highlighted how Modi gifted a chess set to the royal family of Bhutan.
The main part of the evening entertainment was the presentation on the ancient culture and civilization of the state.
Milestones of Tamil history are depicted through dance and music and voice-over by actor Kamal Haasan.
Earlier, the state level chess champions from the state government schools carried the masts of the participating countries into the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Sand artist Sarvam Patel has created magic with his skill at an ancient temple on the coast of Mamallapuram, a game of chess, portraits of Modi and Stalin. India's diversity is also showcased with eight forms of Indian classical dance.
Musician Lydian Nadhaswaram stole the show by playing the piano blindfolded and then belting out popular tunes.
The FIDE anthem was played and the pledge was taken by the participants. Governor RN Ravi, Union Ministers Anurag Thakur, L Murugan and FIDE President Arkady Vladimirovich Dvorkovich participated in the inaugural programme.
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