Pakistan pulls out of Chess Olympiad in Chennai over torch relay passing through J&K

New Delhi: India has slammed Pakistan for its decision to withdraw from the 44th Chess Olympiad scheduled to begin in Chennai on Thursday saying "Pakistan has politicised a highly prestigious international event".

The Ministry of External Affairs reminded Pakistan that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was an integral part of India.

"It is surprising that Pakistan has taken a decision not to participate in the Chess Olympiad. The union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of India. It is unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised a highly prestigious international event," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Pakistan has withdrawn from the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai citing India's torch relay through Kashmir on July 21 as a reason for withdrawal.

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar issued a statement in this regard.

The event is being hosted by India for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it in Chennai on Thursday. (UNI)