A MATTER OF PRIDE

Indian sport is one arena that has come a long way in the post pandemic phase compared to what it was a few years ago. It has shown remarkable resilience with both the public and private sector together in tandem. It is a matter of great pride and honour that the coastal town of Mamallapuram in Chennai, a UNESCO World heritage site is organising the Chess Olympiad from 29 July to 10 August 2022. In fact, the central govt, Tamil Nadu Govt, and the All-India Chess Federation must be lauded for working with lightning speed in terms of arranging finances, booking hotels and deciding its venue. The origin of the game of chess has been associated with India dating back to the 6th century, as Chaturanga. But as time progressed, its modern avatar was dominated by competitors like Russia, America, Europe until Viswanathan Anand arrived on the scene. It is apt, therefore, that the latter’s hometown earned the distinction by hosting this mega event with 200 participants from 187 countries displaying their prowess. It is also a great privilege to be a part of this world class event when we consider the fact that it took 30 years for an Asian nation to stake claim for organising it. Indian sport is slowly turning on its head with Indian Athletes bagging seven medals in the 2021

Tokyo Olympic including gold in Javelin for Neeraj Chopra, the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is also seeing an upward trajectory in terms of India winning more medals. By hosting under 17 Women’s Football World Cup in Oct 2022 and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, India is looking to have upped the ante to prove its credentials as a nation with rich sporting culture. Now, it is up to sport’s governing bodies, eminent personalities, etc. to ensure that budding players get their due in terms of nurturing and harnessing their true potential.

— VIJAY SINGH ADHIKARI, NAINITAL, via email