India to Host the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
India is set to host the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup from October 31 to November 27, 2025, as confirmed by a senior official of the All India Chess Federation (AICF). The specific city for the event will be decided in an upcoming AICF meeting, highlighting India’s growing prominence in the chess world.
A Historic Return to Indian Soil
This event marks a significant return, with India last hosting the FIDE World Cup in 2002 in Hyderabad, where chess legend Viswanathan Anand claimed the title. The AICF is optimistic about the event, stating that FIDE has unofficially confirmed India’s hosting rights earlier this year. The excitement is palpable as Indian chess continues to flourish.
Recent Achievements Boost Indian Chess
The announcement comes on the heels of major achievements by Indian players. Gukesh Dommaraju’s stunning victory in the Candidates Tournament and his triumph as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion have put Indian chess on the global map. Additionally, both the men’s and women’s teams secured their first-ever gold medals at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, showcasing the depth of talent in the country.
What to Expect in 2025
The AICF will decide the hosting city based on proposals from various states, focusing on logistical criteria and venue inspections. Unlike larger events like the Olympiad, the World Cup’s preparation timeline is manageable, with two to three months deemed sufficient.
Vantika Agrawal, a recent Arjuna Award recipient, expressed her excitement about the event, noting its potential to elevate the profile of chess in India. While she wished for a joint hosting of the men’s and women’s World Cups, she acknowledges the significance of this opportunity for Indian chess.
As preparations commence for this landmark event, chess enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling competition that promises to capture the imagination of millions.
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