Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his opening address at the FIDE 44th Chess Olympiad said that in sports there are no losers but winners and future winners.

Modi inaugurated the 44^th Chess Olympiad at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday is hosted by India at a special time in its history, which marks 75 years of freedom from colonial rule, he said.

Modi in his inaugural address at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium said it is an honour to have international chess players at such a special time. In sports there are no losers, there are winners and there are future winners, he added. Modi in his speech greeted the people of Tamil Nadu in Tamil Vanakkam.

He said that in a short period of time, the organizers have made outstanding arrangements. The Tamil Nadu Government along with the Centre’s full support is hosting the event.

Assuring the best hospitality to players from far and wide, Modi quoted the Athithi Devo Bhava slogan which means our guests are like God. He cited Tamil saint poet Tiruvalluvar’s couplet on the significance of hospitality.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin, Union Ministers Anurag Thakur and L Murugan among others were present during the glittering opening ceremony. The sporting event will be held in the nearby Mamallapuram, about 50 km from here.