Unfortunate that Pak politicised Chess Olympiad: India after Islamabad pulls out of event
India hit out at Pakistan for pulling out of the 44th Chess Olympiad. The government said that it is “highly unfortunate” that Islamabad has “politicised” the prestigious international event.
Pakistan accused India of politicising the Chess Olympiad by passing the torch relay for the event through Jammu and Kashmir and announced that it will not participate in the event, scheduled to be held in Chennai from July 28 to August 10.
Restoring The Indian Rhino To Manas, India
Reacting to Pakistan’s decision, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it was surprising that Pakistan has suddenly taken the decision not to participate in the event.
WHAT DID PAKISTAN SAY?
The torch relay passed through Kashmir’s capital Srinagar on June 21. An official statement from Pakistan foreign minister claimed that the torch relay through Kashmir was “in utter disregard of the globally acknowledged “disputed” status of the territory”.
“Pakistan condemns India’s mischievous attempt to mix politics with sports. As a protest, Pakistan has decided not to participate in the 44th Chess Olympiad and will also raise the matter with the international Chess Federation at the highest level,” Pakistan said in a statement.
HOW DID INDIA REACT?
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation after its team has already reached India.
Bagchi asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will remain an integral part of India.”
