New Delhi, April 1 : International Chess Federation (FIDE) president Arkady Dvorkovich officially handed over the hosting rights to India for the organization of the 44th World Chess Olympiad 2022 here on Friday. The mega event will take place from July 28 to August 14 in Chennai. Over 2000 participants from 186 countries will battle it out for the top prize in the competition. India secured the hosting rights of the event after it was shifted out of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The prestigious competition, which has been organized since 1927, will be held in India for the first time and after 30 years Asia. Speaking at the occasion, Dvorkovich said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be here and this is a historic moment as India will host the FIDE World Chess Olympiad for the first time. The place which produces more Grandmasters than any other country truly deserves to host the FIDE World Chess Olympiad. I can see a clear interest to host the best-ever FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Chennai.” Indian chess grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand, who was also present at the event said: “I am delighted that the Chess Olympiad will take place in Chennai. I would like to thank the Tamil Nadu Government and especially Chief Minister Thiru M K Stalin and everyone else who has played a part in bringing the competition to India. “I would also like to thank FIDE and Dvorkovich. Credit must be given to All India Chess Federation (AICF) for moving very fast and I am confident that the competition will be a great success.” BAV SHK2041