The passing of the Torch Relay through Kashmir on July 21 was cited as a reason for the withdrawal. 

In a statement to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said: "India chose to politicise this prestigious international sporting event.

"Pakistan was invited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to participate in the Chess Olympiad.

"A Pakistani contingent was already training for this event."

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reacted to the announcement with spokesperson Arindam Bagchi saying that the decision from Pakistan is "surprising".

"It is surprising that Pakistan has taken a decision not to participate in Chess Olympiad even after their team reached India," the MEA spokesperson said.

China have also decided to not send a team for the event while FIDE has banned Russian and Belarusian teams in response to the war in Ukraine.

The event in Chennai will be inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, Chief Minister MK Stalin and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur will also be present for the Opening Ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium today.

The event is scheduled to be held in Mamallapuram, about 50 kilometres from Chennai.