Mahabs checks all squares for mega chess

Villagers recruited to work for the historical event finish up raising banners and barricades, painting medians

- SAHAYA NOVINSTON LOBO

BESIDES the Aadi month, residents of Mamallapuram have one more reason to celebratethe 44th International Chess Olympiad. From the electricity boxes to compound walls, Mamallapuram sports a chequered look and displays posters for the competition.

For 14-year-old Sarathy, the Olympiad means that his father will not have to travel far for work, for two weeks. Sarathy's father Gunasekaran is a truck driver hauling long travels. A few weeks ago, leaders from villages around Mamallapuram out a clarion call for sent workers to join the force of drivers and other workers to assist with the competition.

"I enrolled with the committee and many people like me were prepared to drive vans and cars transporting players and other delegates," said Gunasekaran.

Like Gunasekaran, many of the villagers are recruited to work at the Olympiad. From domestic helpers to cooks and local guides, several villagers seem happy to be a part of the historical event. From Kovalam to Kadambathur, workers are finishing up the final works of painting and raising banners and barricades. The labourers were promised wages more than usual, said the villagers.