The Indian High Commissioner and the entire staff of the Indian Embassy stood up to receive the Nigerian team in Lagos and Abuja and treated the delegates like Kings and Queens. All delegates travelling from Nigeria were given Gratis Visas same day! Meaning no waiting in line and zero visa fee.
On arrival in Chennai, the reception at the Meenabakkam Airport was wonderful. Special immigration officers were waiting readily and attended to the team so no one spent time waiting. Refreshments were served to the team and souvenirs were presented to every delegate.
During the tournament, one of the players fell ill and could
not return to Nigeria with the team. We were assured that she would be well taken care of during her two week medical stay. She reported that she was very well taken care of and all medical expenses fully covered by the Indian Government.
After two weeks of treatment, it was time to return home. The video shows how she was treated royally by the Indian Government. She was chauffeur driven to the airport accompanied by Police Officers led by a Commissioner of Police in the State of Tamil Nadu. They carried her bags, gave her flowers, and bid her farewell. She was led through immigration and security checks right into the aircraft. She didn't have to stay on the queue. Our own player was treated like a Queen in foreign land. She was moved to tears!
This is how National Stars are stolen by other countries. The Indian Ambassador to Nigeria has followed through with an invitation to the entire Nigerian Team. The dinner is scheduled to take place at the Indian Embassy in Abuja on the 12th September, 2022. Also, a Nigerian, the only African on the Board of FIDE, was returned as Vice President of the International Chess Federation at the Congress which took place in Chennai, India.
Thank you Tamil Nadu! The treatment experienced by our team on arrival 26th of July 2022 is what I received on 27th July 2022 on arrival in Chennai! A Police Officer accompanied the vehicle that drove me to The Leela Palace where FIDE Board and Commission Members were lodged. So whatever was done, was not just for the cameras... We had no cameras rolling but I was honoured. Every where I went across Tamil Nadu, the people honoured the delegates, even in the hospital, we got VIP treatment.
This should be standard for delegates globally. Thank you India!
When will Nigeria honour her own?!
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