New Delhi: India is all set to host the 44th Chess Olympiad with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event on Thursday in Chennai. Pakistan withdrew from the Chess Olympiad this week and accused India of mixing sports with politics.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a statement said that “It is surprising that Pakistan has taken a decision not to participate in Chess Olympiad even after their team reached India.”
Pakistan was invited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to take part in the event scheduled to be held in Chennai from 28th July to August 10th.
Pakistan has withdrawn from the event objecting to the fact that the torch relay passed through Srinagar on June 21.
Arindam Bagchi further added that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will remain an integral part of India. He further added that “It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation.”
The 44th Chess Olympiad will witness a record 188 teams in the Open Section and 162 teams in the women’s category.
(With Agency Inputs)