Chess Olympiad opening ceremony highlights: PM Modi declares event open in Chennai

PM Modi concluded his speech by declaring the 44th Chess Olympiad open.

While addressing the gathering during the opening ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad, PM Modi said, "This is the first time the Chess Olympiad is being held in the place of origin, in India. It's coming to Asia for first time in 3 decades, with highest ever number of countries taking part."

PM Modi is currently addressing the gathering present for the opening ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai. Tune in to watch live:

After PM Modi inaugurated the 44th Chess Olympiad, Tamil Nadu CM addressed the audience in Chennai.

Viswanathan Anand hands torch to PM Modi and MK Stalin, who inaugurate the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai.

In the video below, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur can be seen addressing the audience at the opening ceremony of the Chess Olympiad 2022.

The performers ended their performance by coming together and creating the shape of the Indian flag.

PM Modi is present at the venue to witness the performances at the 44th Chess Olympiad's opening ceremony:

PM Modi arrives at the venue in Chennai to inaugrate the 44th Chess Olympiad. Tune in to watch live:

PM Modi's portrait is being prepared alongside MK Stalin.

PM Modi has arrived at the venue to inaugrate the historic 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai.

PM Modi will reach the 44th Chess Olympiad at 6:00 PM IST to inaugrate the event.

Piano recitals are taking place at the Chess Olympiad 2022:

PM Modi has arrived in Chennai to inaugrate the 44th Chess Olympiad.

PM Modi had confirmed via a Tweet on July 27 that he would arrive for the inauguration of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai at 6:00 PM IST.

Vande Mataram echoes at the inauguration ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai. Tune in to watch here:

The Indian contingent has arrived for the opening ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad, which is scheduled to start on Thursday, July 28. In a video shared on Twitter, Indian chess players can be seen arriving at the venue of the opening ceremony dressed in traditional attire. 

Live streaming of the 44th Chess Olympiad can be watched on the YouTube channels of Chessbase India and FIDE. You can also follow the live updates on Republic World's website. 

Pakistan has cancelled the participation of its chess team in the 44th Chess Olympiad, which is scheduled to be held in India from July 28 to August 10. Pakistan has said that the passing of the torch relay from Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar is the reason behind the boycott of the event. 

Superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday turned to social media to congratulate all the participants at the 44th Chess Olympiad, which is scheduled to be held in India from July 28 to August 10. 

The Chess Olympiad 2022 will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre, which is located on the East Coast Road in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

PM Modi, who will reach the event at 6:00 PM IST, will inaugurate the 44th Chess Olympiad on July 28 at 7:00 PM IST.

Fans interested in watching the live telecast of the Chennai Chess Olympiad 2022 can tune in to Doordarshan.