What is chess Olympiad 2022

Mahabalipuram, July 29: The first round of the 44th Chess Olympiad began on a dominant note for Team India B as grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani was the first player to secure a win on Friday (July 29) here at Mahabalipuram. The hosts had a perfect start on day one as India 1 Open team made a dominant start with a 4-0 win against Zimbabwe. The women's team also clean swept Hong Kong in a one-sided contest.
This is the first time, the Chess Olympiad is being held in the origin of the game in India. Olympiad has come to India for the first time. It is coming to Asia after three decades. On behalf of every Indian, I thank FIDE for this event."
The event was originally scheduled in Russia but as the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, the International Chess Federation decided to look for new locations. As India emerged as the host country, the Central Government gave Tamil Nadu the hosting rights to host the high-profile Chess event.
The first round was inaugurated by Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur who made the first move on Vidit Gujrathi's board. Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand and Arkady Dvorkovich, President of World Chess Governing body (FIDE) President, AICF President Dr Arjun Kapoor, Olympiad Director Bharat Singh Chauhan were also present on the occasion.
There was plenty of excitement and anticipation in the large crowd that thronged the Four Points by Sheraton, the venue of the Olympiad to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. 184 of the 188 Teams registered began their campaign in this 11 Round Swiss League tournament.
“Two years ago, the world began to fight the biggest pandemic in the century. In such times, each tournament gave us a message that we are stronger and better if we are together. In the post-Covid period, it is stressed the importance for physical and mental fitness,” he said
Citing Thirukkural, Modi said that whole purpose of earning, living and having a home is to be hospitable. "We will make every effort to make you comfortable," he told the participants, wishing them good luck.
Prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared the 44th Chess Olympiad open at Nehru stadium in Chennai and welcomed the participants saying, and said that there are no losers, but winners and future winners. Modi also said that it is important to encourage sporting talent and infrastructure. He added that two years ago, the world began to fight the biggest pandemic in the century and in such times, each tournaments gave the message that we are stronger, better if we are together. "The post-covid period has stressed importance of physical and mental fitness." Chief minister MK Stalin and several other dignitaries were in attendance. Meanwhile, India criticised Pakistan for pulling out of event and said it is "highly unfortunate" that Islamabad has "politicised" the prestigious international event.
The three Indian teams in the fray decided to rest Pentala Harikrishna, R Praggnanandhaa, and Surya Shekhar Ganguly for the first round. Each Team comprises of five players with four players fielded for the round and one player rested. Generally, the first few rounds of a Swiss League event are expected to provide predictable results favouring the higher-rated Teams.