The event to be held at the Four Point by Sheraton from 28th July to 10th August has attracted a record 187 countries, with 188 Teams in the Open section and 162 in the women's sections.
Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan and Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Thiru Siva V Meyyanathan were the chief guests for the occasion.
A record-breaking 187 teams, the highest-ever for any Chess Olympiad, have registered for the showdown in India and in order to even out the number of entries, as per norm, FIDE approved a third team from the host country.
At the key event held in Mumbai, Grandmasters Pravin Thipsay, Abhijit Kunte, and Soumya Swaminathan were present along with officials of the Department of Sports, State Chess Association, chess enthusiasts and budding players.