Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Chess Olympiad Torch arrived here on Monday and was received by the Sports Minister of MP, Yashodhara Raje Scindia at Tatya Tope Stadium.
While addressing the event, Yashodhara Raje Scindia said, "There comes a time for every genre. Now, is the time for chess." During the programme, Chess International Master Akshat Khamparia and Grand Master Anurag Mhamal played chess with 50 people on different chess boards simultaneously.
Hundreds of people, including international and national chess players, coaches and school children, were present during the felicitation. Yashodhara Raje Scindia thanked and congratulated the All-India Chess Federation.
Minister Scindia then passed on the relay torch to President of MP Chess Association Gurmeet Singh. Then, it left for Sanchi.
"Chess is an Indian game; I feel proud to be a part of this relay"
Aditi Shrivastava, international player, national arbiter, talking to FP, said, “It is a proud moment for all of us because chess originated in India. And we are organising Olympiad for the first time".
Among 50 players, Aditi got a chance to play against grand master (GM) Anurag Mhamal. When asked about her experience, she said, "It has been my dream to be like him, and when I got the opportunity to play against him, there was no bigger joy for me."
