Chess Torch Ceremony in India to mark FIDE’s 100th-anniversary celebration

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary since its founding, FIDE is set to launch the Chess Torch Relay, a global movement aimed at celebrating the rich history of the game and bringing together the entire chess community.

As part of the FIDE 100 celebration, the torch relay will commence on February 14 in New Delhi, India, at the Major Dhyan National Stadium. The ceremony will include a tournament for children, a performance celebrating the rich history of India, and speeches. The pivotal moment of the ceremony will be the lighting of the torch, officiated by India’s Minister of Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur.

The FIDE Chess Torch was first introduced at the Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the game. The Torch will embark on a journey from India to Hungary’s capital, Budapest, where the 45th Chess Olympiad will take place in September this year. As the torch travels across the globe, it will pass through several continents, serving as a beacon of inspiration for chess enthusiasts everywhere. Along its path, a series of chess-dedicated events and celebrations will unfold, showcasing the game’s cultural significance and fostering a sense of community among people. From grandmaster tournaments, art exhibitions to community events, each stop on the torch’s journey will contribute to celebrating the global legacy of the game and FIDE, emphasizing the inclusive and unifying nature of the sport.

„India is the cradle of chess, and it is fitting that this relay starts there – where it all began,“ said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.

„We are honored that this important first step is made in India, which represents not only the past of chess but also its future. I invite all chess enthusiasts to join us in celebrating the first century since FIDE was founded in the spirit of our motto – Gens Una Sumus – We Are One Family,“ Dvorkovich added.

Present at the ceremony will be India’s native Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Chess Champion & FIDE Deputy President, as well as Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar, the strongest woman chess player in history. The list of guests at the ceremony includes Ms Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Sports of India; Dr Sanjay Kapoor, AICF President; FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and FIDE Deputy Chair of Management Board and Chairperson of FIDE100 Organizing Committee, Dana Reizniece-Ozola.