The 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad Torch, which travelled worldwide, finally arrived in Goa on Sunday, July 3rd.

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Govind Gaude received the torch from Grandmaster Anurag Mahamal in the presence of lady Grandmaster Bhakti Kulkarni.

The torch relay was launched on June 19th by the Prime Minister, allowing the torch to travel across 75 locations in India, and finally arrive at Mahabalipuram in 40 days.

On the occasion, Gaude spoke about how hard work is the only way one can reach their desired goal. "Success does not happen by chance. It is the result of pure and sheer hard work. Above all, love is essential for both learning and doing. Success cannot be recorded in a single day or night. It requires commitment and perseverance," he said.