CHENNAI/NEW DELHI: Pakistan raised the Kashmir spectre to pull out of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Mamallapuram on the eve of the event, citing India’s torch relay passing through Kashmir on June 21.
The 13-member Pakistani contingent had already checked into the team hotel in Mamallapuram when they were informed they would not be taking part.
In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said, “India has chosen to politicise this prestigious international sporting event by passing the torch relay…through the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”. It said the matter would be raised with the International Chess Federation.
Accusing Pakistan of politicising the event, the MEA said the UTs of J&K and Ladakh “have been, are, and will remain an integral part of India.”
FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE