Chennai: The TATA 14th IBCA Chess Olympiad for the Blind organised by the All India Chess Federation for the blind was off to a colorful start at the plush venue in Hotel Le Royal Meridien, Chennai here today. The 23 country mega team event, took off in a colorful opening ceremony wherein the music troupe of girls from MOP Vaishnav College rendered the tunes of western music. The tournament arrives in Asia for the first time, and the efforts of All India Chess Federation for the blind is bound to bring more such events to our continent.

D V Sundar, Vice President, FIDE inaugurated the tournament making the symbolic first move. He extolled the untiring efforts of Charudatta Jadhav in bringing the Olympiad to India. He added, "the sheer grit and determination of Charudatta in ensuring the developement of blind chess is unparalled. He has behind him three decades of selfless service for blind chess and deserves the recommendation to the civilian award of Padmashree."

JCD Prabhakar, President, All India Chess Federation in his speech said, "the Government of Tamil Nadu has always been in the forefront of extending support for sports in general and chess in particular. And working as a team, chess organisation has always spelt success in this era."

Charudatta Jadhav, Chairman, Organising Committee and Vice President IBCA,  in his address elaborated about increasing the awareness of blind chess in India. He further said, "the All India Chess Federation for the blind is striving for the progress and development of blind chess in India. We concerted effort we brought this event to Asia for the first time in the history of blind chess olympiad. With the support from TATA group, ONGC, Hotel Le Meridien, All India Chess Federation, media partner CNN IBN  and the Ministry of Sports, Government of India we are sure to make this event a big success."

Palani G Periasamy, Chairman, Hotel Le Royal Meridien the hospitality partner said, "it is our pleasure to host such a global chess event, and we are sure the participants are bound to go back with memories of great Indian hospitality".

Ludwig Beutelhoff, President, International Braille Chess Association in his address said, "we are happy to bring the chess olympiad for the blind to India. It is a landmark event, as it is being held in Asia for first time and India is already setting an example of high levels of organisation"

23 countries are participating in this nine round Swiss team event, and the winner of the Olympiad will be crowned champion on 19th August, 2012.