Pakistan team returns after boycotting Chess Olympiad in India

Islamabad boycotted international tournament in protest as hosts India holding a torch relay through IIOJK, says FO


Our Correspondent July 30, 2022
Pakistan’s chess team returned home via Wagah border. PHOTO: EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistani team which went to India to participate in the 44th Chess Olympiad, returned home on Friday via Wagah border, after boycotting the event.

The Pakistani team was invited to the event in Chennai, India, by the International Chess Federation. However, Pakistan boycotted the event in protest against the passing the event torch through the areas of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's Foreign Office strongly condemned India's attempt to politicise sports. It said that the purpose of relaying the torch through the internationally-recognised disputed territory was an Indian ploy to deceive the international community.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that India should know that such actions could legitimise India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir. Pakistan has also decided to raise this issue with the International Chess Federation.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ