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Goa's Chess Triumph: PM Modi's Vision Brings FIDE World Cup Home

Goa is hosting the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025 with grand opening ceremonies at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed gratitude to PM Modi for bringing this international chess event to Goa. The tournament features 206 players from 82 countries competing for a $2 million prize purse over 30 days. In a special tribute, the World Cup trophy has been renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup honoring India's first world chess champion.

Key Points: Pramod Sawant Thanks PM Modi for FIDE World Cup in Goa

  • Tournament features 206 elite players from 82 countries competing over 30 days
  • World Cup trophy renamed as Viswanathan Anand Cup in honor of chess legend
  • Event marks return of FIDE World Cup to India after 23-year absence
  • Prime Minister Modi declared tournament open through special letter ceremony
  • $2 million prize purse at stake with three Candidates 2026 spots available
  • Cultural showcase featured light and music show celebrating chess history
3 min read

I thank PM Modi for giving us a chance to organise this: Pramod Sawant on FIDE World Cup being held in Goa

Goa hosts FIDE World Cup 2025 with trophy renamed after Viswanathan Anand. 206 players from 82 countries compete for $2 million prize purse in 30-day tournament.

"I thank PM Modi for giving us a chance to organise this in Goa. - Pramod Sawant"

Goa, October 31

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday expressed gratitude to PM Modi for the FIDE World Cup being held in Goa, marking its return to India. The trophy is named after India's great Viswanathan Anand. It will serve as a rolling trophy, passed on to future champions of the FIDE World Cup.

A vibrant celebration of India and Goa's rich culture, highlighted by a dazzling light and music show portraying the Spirit and Story of Chess, set the stage for the grand opening of the FIDE World Cup 2025 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium on Friday. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the ceremony.

"I thank PM Modi for giving us a chance to organise this in Goa. The grandmasters and other players will play here for the coming 30 days. The trophy is released in the name of Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand," Goa CM Pramod Sawant told the media.

The ceremony also witnessed the World Cup trophy renamed as the Viswanathan Anand Cup, a masterpiece forged in brass and gold-plated to last a lifetime. The trophy stands as a testament to passion, precision, and perseverance, values synonymous with India's first world chess champion and his enduring legacy.

The tournament, commencing Saturday, November 1, will feature 206 players from 82 countries vying for the coveted title and three Candidates 2026 spots.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 was officially declared open by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a letter read out by AICF President Nitin Narang, in which the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes and said, "...As the Chess World Cup returns to the 'home of chess', it feels as though the game has come full circle. India's growing role as a host to major international sporting events continues and augurs well for both India and the world. I declare the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 open!"

Returning to India after 23 years, the FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global chess calendar, bringing together 206 elite players from 82 countries across the world in a knockout contest for a prize purse of USD 2 million (approximately Rs 17.58 crore).

While the dignitaries unveiled the World Cup trophy, GM Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women's Chess World Cup winner, performed the draw of colours ceremony to determine the colours with which players will start in round 1. Since she picked black for the number one player, D Gukesh, all odd-numbered players will begin with black pieces in their matches on Saturday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative by the government! Goa is the perfect venue for such international events. Hope this inspires more youngsters to take up chess seriously. All the best to Gukesh and other Indian players! 🏆
M
Michael C
As someone who follows chess tournaments globally, I must say India is becoming a major hub for international sports. The Viswanathan Anand Cup is a brilliant idea - honoring a true legend of the game.
A
Anjali F
While I appreciate the event, I wish the focus was more on developing chess infrastructure across smaller cities too. Big events in Goa are great, but what about nurturing talent in tier-2 and tier-3 cities?
V
Vikram M
Amazing to see chess getting this level of recognition! The fact that it's returning to India after 23 years shows how far we've come as a sporting nation. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳♟️
S
Sarah B
The cultural showcase sounds incredible! Chess combined with Indian heritage - what a wonderful way to introduce our rich culture to international players. Hope this becomes an annual event in India!
K
Karthik V
$2 million prize money! This will definitely attract top talent and put Indian chess on the global map. Well done to all organizers and special thanks to PM Modi for his support.

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