First-ever Torch Relay for Chess Olympiad launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 19, reached Leh on June 20. The torch was received by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur from Grand Master (GM) Dibyendu Barua at Leh Palace.

The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held in Chennai from July 28 to August 10, 2022. The historic Olympiad Torch Relay will travel 75 cities across the country before reaching its destination--Mahabalipuram on July 27.

LG Mathur expressed happiness over Ladakh being the second place after Delhi to receive the torch. He said that it is an honour to be among the 75 cities of the country where this historic torch will travel.

He further praised Grand Master Dibyendu Barua for being the second Grand Master after Vishwanathan Anand received the title. He said that the players from Ladakh are privileged to get the opportunity to play rapid chess matches with GM Barua. He encouraged them to take up chess and make Ladakh proud and wished luck to the Indian team for the Chess Olympiad.

GM Barua briefed about the Chess Olympiad to be held in India for the first time and thanked FIDE for initiating the Torch Relay.

He said, “ I am extremely honoured to be in Ladakh and happy to see the enthusiasm among the youngsters  who are waiting to play chess.”

He further requested the administration to promote chess in schools and colleges because chess is a game that develops the mind. The game will boost the child’s mental development.

Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Ravinder Kumar, shared the efforts made to identify talented chess players from Ladakh to play demo matches with GM Barua and also to motivate the players to take up the sport.

GM Barua played rapid chess matches with players from Ladakh.

Advisor Umang Narula; Secretary YSS, Ravinder Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Leh, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Leh, PD Nitya; Councillor, Lower Leh, Tsering Namgial; Councillor. Khaltse, Lobzang Sherap; Regional Director (North), Sports Authority of India, RK Matoo; President, Municipal Committee Leh, Dr. Ishey Namgial; Deputy Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Tajammul Ara; District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Tsering Tashi, volunteers from NYK and other district officials were present during the event.