India to Host FIDE World Cup 2025 in October

Why in the news?

India has been confirmed as the host for the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025, scheduled from October 31 to November 27. This marks India’s first major international chess tournament since the 2022 Chennai Chess Olympiad.

India to Host FIDE World Cup 2025 in October

India to Host FIDE World Cup 2025:

  • India is set to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025, marking its first major international chess event since the 2022 Chennai Chess Olympiad.
  • The tournament is scheduled from October 31 to November 27, 2025, as initially listed in FIDE’s 2025 calendar.
  • Although the listing was briefly removed, All India Chess Federation (AICF) sources confirmed India’s hosting rights.

Tournament Highlights

  • The FIDE World Cup is a knockout-format chess tournament featuring over 200 international players.
  • It serves as a pathway to the Candidates Tournament, offering three qualification spots.
  • India’s Praggnanandhaa achieved a historic silver medal in the 2023 edition, losing to Magnus Carlsen in the final.
  • Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand remains the only Indian to win the World Cup, with consecutive victories in 2000 and 2002, during the round-robin format.

Significance for India

  • Hosting the FIDE World Cup highlights India’s growing prominence in the global chess arena.
  • The event is expected to boost chess awareness and participation within the country.
  • AICF officials have assured an official announcement soon, along with the final schedule.
  • This milestone reinforces India’s reputation as a hub for high-profile chess events.