Pakistan on Thursday pulled out of the Chess Olympiad being held in Tamil Nadu, prompting India to hit out at the neighbouring country for ‘politicising’ the sporting event. (More Sports News)
Hours after Pakistan ann💝ounced its withdrawal over the Olympiad's torch relay passing through Jammu and Kashmir, External Affairs Ministry Spokespe𝓀rson Arindam Bagchi said it was "highly unfortunate" that Pakistan has "politicised" the prestigious international event.
Bagchi asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been, are, and will remain an integral part of India.” “It was the politicisati✃o🐽n of the event,” Bagchi said, referring to Pakistan's decision.
Pakistan was invited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to participate in the 44⛎th Chess Olympiad being held in Mamallapuram near Chennai from July 28 to August 10.
“It is surprising that Pakistan has suddenly taken the decision of not participating in the FIDE Chess Olympiad, particularly after the team has already reached India,” Bagchi said. The spokesperson was responding toℱ questions on Pakistan's decision to boycott the Olympiad, citing the torch relay of the event passing through Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation,” he said. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Foreign Ministry announce☂d its decision to boycott the Olympiad.
“Pakistan condemns India's mischievous attempt to mix politics with sports. As a protes𒅌t, 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,” it said in a state🐼ment.
To a separate question, Bagchi said Pakistan-occupied Kashm☂ir(PoK) is part of India and iꦇt rejects any comment that does not "reflect this reality".
