According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Pakistan was invited by the International Chess Federation (FIDA) to participate in the Chess Olympiad. A Pakistani team has already completed training to participate in the event. But Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Azim Aftikhar told Radio Pakistan that ‘India tried to politicize this prestigious international sporting event’ citing the Deepashikha campaign.
Foreign Ministry of Pakistan also issued a statement boycotting the Chess Olympiad. Pakistan condemns India’s attempt to mix politics and sports. In protest, Pakistan has decided not to participate in the 44th Chess Olympiad and will bring the matter to the attention of the International Chess Federation’s higher authorities,” a Pakistan statement explained.
India’s response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded that Pakistan’s withdrawal was surprising. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it was surprising that Pakistan decided not to participate in the Chess Olympiad after the Pakistani team arrived in India. Bagchi added that it is unfortunate that Pakistan has politicized a very important international event by making certain statements. He reminded that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and will remain so.
2022 Chess Olympiad
Apart from Pakistan, China has also decided not to send its team for the tournament. Meanwhile, the Russian team has also been banned from FIDA competition in the wake of the Ukraine war. Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, currently the world’s best chess player, has also arrived in Chennai for the event.
The tournament ends on August 9. The match will be telecast live on Doordarshan. Matches can also be watched through YouTube channels of ChessBase India and FIDE.
This is the first time that the country is hosting the Chess Olympiad. Mahabalipuram will be the venue for the 12-day competition. 187 countries are participating in the Olympics.
The Chess Olympiad will be held from July 28 to August 10. 343 teams from 187 countries are participating in the 44th Chess Olympiad. 189 teams will participate in the open category and 154 teams in the women’s category.
As the host nation, India is entitled to field one additional team each in both categories. The country also has the option of fielding a third team in case of an odd number of entries. The All-India Chess Federation has selected a 20-member team for the Chess Olympiad, divided into two men’s and women’s teams of 5 members each.
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