Sachin Tendulkar's prowess on the cricket field is universally documented, but it came as a surprise when he revealed yesterday that he also played chess during his youth. “Chess was very much played at our house. I played a lot of chess with my brother (Ajit), but without good results. Chess started in my family with my uncle. He also wrote a book on chess and was part of the chess federation,” said Tendulkar at a function in Mumbai yesterday to announce the 14th International Braille Chess Association (IBCA) Chess Olympiad for the Blind and visually impaired. The tournament will be held in Chennai from August 9 to 19.“I am proud that India is the first Asian country to host the Chess Olympiad for blind.
For me, these people are heroes of the country and I would suggest others to follow in their footsteps. We should provide these chess players with better facilities and help them produce greater results,” urged Tendulkar.
Tendulkar also revealed that his 13-year-old son Arjun was an avid chess fan before he got hooked to cricket.
“A few years ago, my son also started playing chess. He became quite serious about the game and we even organised chess classes for him. If any of my friends or visitors came to meet me, Arjun would make them play a game of chess with him first and then allow them to do whatever work they had with me.
“He was in full flow but you know how kids like to keep changing their likes and dislikes. He moved from chess to WWE and later to football and cricket,” added Tendulkar.
The Olympiad will feature 25 international masters, 5 international women masters and 120 world chess federation rated players from across 30 countries.
To know what Sachin Tendulkar is tweeting about, click here!
Lord's, London ,5/16/2013, 15:30 (IST)
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala ,5/16/2013, 20:00 (IST)
Kings XI Punjab beat Delhi Daredevils by 7 runs
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad ,5/17/2013, 20:00 (IST)
Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals by 23 runs
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala ,5/18/2013, 16:00 (IST)
from
AP
Atletico stun Real 2-1 to win League Cup
Atletico Madrid ended a 14-year winless run against their city rivals by taking the title on Friday, coming from behind for a cathartic 2-1 win in extra time.
from AP
Report: Phelps planning comeback
The son of the U.S. national swim team director is reporting that Michael Phelps is planning a comeback for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
from IANS
Indian owner buys US basketball team
Indian American software magnate Vivek Ranadive, who has become the first person of Indian descent to become the owner of a major US basketball team, plans to build the Sacramento Kings into a global brand.
from
AP
Beckham: A sports icon of our times
David Beckham's retirement will bring an end to a footballing career that went far beyond his sport.
from
In.com
Alternate career options for S Sreesanth
S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila all playing for Rajasthan Royals this IPL season have been arrested on charges of spot-fixing. The BCCI has suspended all three pending inquiry. Sreesanth has been embroiled in several controversies in the
from
AP
FA approves 5-match ban for racial abuse
Racist and homophobic abuse by players in England will carry a minimum five-match ban from next season.
from
In.com
10 reasons why Man Utd reigned supreme
Here are ten reasons why they reigned supreme this season...
