2008 Chess Olympiad

I'm impressed - AP has actually put out a press release on the opening of the event! Of course, it's only about the men's teams (they euphimistically call them "open" teams now, but we all know they're men's teams, with an occasion chess femme thrown in for a little spice) but it's international press coverage. The Indian press is already putting out articles - here's one from the English-language The Hindu: New format to help India in Chess Olympiad. The Indian women's team is very strong: reigning World Junior girls champion Dronavalli Harika,Tania Sachdev, Swati Ghate, Nisha Mohota and Mary Ann Gomes. The Indian Women's Team finished in 12th place at the Turin Olympiad in 2006. Tonight is the grand opening. GM Susan Polgar was the torch lighter for this Olympiad. Here is a photo from her blog, which I presume was taken by Paul Truong, who is acting as the official photographer for the Olympiad. Truong has taken many of those great photos at SP's blog.