The popular Napier bridge in Chennai, Tamil Nadu is currently decked up in shades of black and white in honour of Chess Olympiad, 2022. Reportedly, this is the first time in 100 years that the competition – which will go on from July 28 to August 10 – will be hosted in Mahabalipuram. Here’s everything you need to know. By Eshita Srinivas
Perched atop the Coovum river, Napier bridge is an iconic spot in Chennai. Its walkways, distinctive lighting, and arches are a sight to behold, while the view alone draws tourists and locals in spades. Most recently, the bridge surprised commuters and visitors with a chessboard-inspired makeover – a nod to the 44th International Chess Olympiad which will be held in the city later this month. IAS officer and Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu Supriya Sahu released a video of the landmark spot on Twitter, setting off a flurry of responses that called the bridge ‘a work of art.’
Napier bridge’s makeover marks a historic moment in Chennai
Chennai the Chess Capital of India is all set to host the grand, Chess Olympiad 2022.The iconic Napier Bridge is decked up like a Chess Board.Check it out 😊 #ChessOlympiad2022 #ChessOlympiad #Chennai pic.twitter.com/wEsUfGHMlU
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) July 16, 2022
As per a report by The Print, this is the first time in 100 years that the country’s hosting the world’s biggest chess event. Reflecting on this, All India Chess Federation Secretary and Olympiad Director Chauhan was quoted saying, “This is the first time that India is hosting a sporting event of this magnitude in any discipline.” He further added, “We want to set this Olympiad as a milestone for other sporting events in India. This Olympiad is going to not only script history but also inspire generations.”
Tamil Nadu | Chennai’s Napier Bridge decked up like a chessboard ahead of the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad which will begin on July 28 in Mamallapuram. pic.twitter.com/VTeJjL0d9H
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2022
The newly-painted bridge celebrates this milestone and was shot from a car driving across. Most recently actor Rajnikanth took to social media to release a 20-second teaser video of the event, which outlined the matches that would take place in Mahabalipuram, near Chennai. It featured eminent personalities as well as participants dressed in black and white. “The 44th FIDE Chess Olympic is happening for the first time in India and that too in Tamil Nadu; it is a proud moment for all of us,” he said as per a report by India TV. It’s worth noting that Chennai is called the chess capital of India.
Main and Feature Image Credit: @pk_views/Twitter
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