New Delhi: India has been confirmed as the host for the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 27, according to a senior official from the All India Chess Federation (AICF). Though FIDE’s website briefly listed India as the host on Monday before reverting the status to “To be announced,” the AICF official confidently stated that FIDE had unofficially confirmed India’s hosting rights as early as early 2024.

This marks a significant return for the event to Indian soil, with the last World Cup hosted in Hyderabad in 2002, where Viswanathan Anand clinched the title. The exact state or city for the 2025 tournament will be decided in an upcoming AICF meeting involving state secretaries, AICF officials, and stakeholders. The decision will be based on venue readiness and logistical feasibility, rather than a formal bidding process.

“India’s potential in chess is recognized by FIDE, which trusts us to deliver an exceptional event,” the senior official said. They added that preparations for the World Cup are less demanding than the Olympiad, requiring just two to three months of lead time.

This announcement comes during a golden era for Indian chess. Gukesh Dommaraju’s recent victory at the Candidates Tournament and his historic win over Ding Liren to become the youngest World Chess Champion have brought Indian chess to the forefront. Furthermore, the Indian men’s and women’s teams secured their first-ever team golds at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, with stars like Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi achieving significant milestones.

Arjuna Awardee Vantika Agrawal expressed excitement about India hosting the World Cup but noted her surprise at FIDE’s decision to hold the men’s and women’s events separately, with the women’s World Cup scheduled from July 5 to 19 in Batumi, Georgia. “It would have been more exciting to hold both events together in India,” she said, emphasizing the growing interest and awareness of chess in the country.

In addition to the 2025 World Cup, India will host the 5th leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series in Maharashtra from April 13 to 24, further solidifying its position as a global chess hub.

Read Also: