Chennai, July 28 (BPNS)
The Consul General of the United States of America in Chennai, Judith Ravin said that deep ties between India and the United States are built on the people-to-people connections forged by sports diplomats. She was speaking to a group of US Chess Grandmasters (GM), International Masters (IM), and Women Grand Masters (WGM) here on Thursday.
The US Consul General earlier welcomed the US team to Mamallapuram on Thursday and wished the team success at the 44th Chess Olympiad organized by the Indian Chess Federation and the Government of Tamil Nadu from July 28 to August 9th.
Judith Ravin also discussed with the Chess players how the Chess Olympiad in Chennai helps popularize the sport of Chess and unites chess lovers across the world in a truly global competition.
The Consul General while speaking to the visiting United States team said,” I am extremely proud of you for representing the United States at the Chess Olympiad in Chennai.”
The US Consul General in a statement on Thursday also said, “The U.S. Consulate General Chennai is thrilled to see the Chess Olympiad take place in Chennai, especially during the 75th anniversary of Indo- US relations.”
The US team captain in the open section, John Donaldson while speaking at the function said, “ The U.S teams are honoured to compete in the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai. India is considered by many as the birthplace of chess and so it is fitting that this prestigious event is will be held here for the first time. We are particularly grateful to the Indian Chess Federation, which with the support of national and local governments has volunteered to organize this even late in the day.”
It is to be noted that the US men’s team captained by John Donaldson is seeded first among the 187 teams in the open section while the Woman’s team captained by GM Melikset Khachiyan is seeded 8 among the 162 teams.
