Chess Olympiad Torch Relay reaches Kohima

The first-ever Chess Olympiad Torch Relay reached Kohima on Monday after travelling to different parts of the country.
Grandmaster Ankit Rajapara from Gujarat, who brought the torch handed it over to minister of Planning & Coordination, Land Resources and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu.
Rajapara also participated in simultaneous chess with different age groups of players in the state. As part of the 44th Chess Olympiad, Nagaland Chess Association in Collaboration with Youth Resources & Sports Department also organized a “Blitz tournament” at The Heritage.
Speaking at the event as chief guest, Neiba Kronu, said that Chess was a very important and interesting game which originated in India.
Disclosing that he was part of the inaugural of the Olympiad at New Delhi on June 19 which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kronu said it was a great moment for the country as the Olympiad torch was passed on from State to State across the country.
He observed that chess was such a game which had the potential to help someone acquire a deeper level of understanding not only while playing it but even in other aspects of their professional and social lives.
Citing examples of how chess was played by Kings, princes, presidents and prime ministers of all the countries including India, Kronu pointed out that the game was royalty in nature and exhibited the highest level of respect in the courts where it was played.
Calling on the Naga youths to give a serious ponder over the potential of the game, Kronu, who is also the president of NCA, encouraged them pursue the game wholeheartedly.
Further, he encouraged the Nagaland Association (NCA) to conduct more chess tournaments across the state to promote the sport.
Interacting with media persons, Rajapara, said that there are many talented players in the states. He advised that more training needed to be imparted to the players and hoped that more players would come out from the State.
Cultural presentations were performed by Khiamniungan troupe.
PM’s audio message which was made during the inaugural was played to the audience.
Meanwhile, the torch is being taken to 75 iconic cities across 36 states and Union Territories in 40 days before reaching Mahabalipuram, the host city for the event from July 28 to August 10. This is in commemoration with the theme of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav- Celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence.