FIDE World Cup 2025 Opens in Goa; Trophy Renamed as ‘Viswanathan Anand Cup’ in Grand Ceremony Panaji, October 31:
Panaji, October 31:
Picture Credit – Michal Walusza
The coastal state of Goa came alive on Friday evening as the FIDE World Cup 2025 was declared open in a spectacular ceremony at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Panaji. The glittering event celebrated India’s chess legacy, its cultural richness, and the spirit of sportsmanship — culminating in the unveiling of the Viswanathan Anand Cup, a newly christened trophy named in honour of India’s first world chess champion.
A Night of Culture and Chess
In the presence of Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the event began with a vibrant display of Goa’s music and dance traditions, including performances by the Hormuzd Khambata Dance group, a “Spirit of Goa” act by Hema Sardesai, and an electrifying finale by legendary singer Usha Uthup.
The ceremony also featured GM Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women’s World Cup winner, who conducted the draw of colours, picking black for top seed World Champion D. Gukesh, meaning all odd-numbered players will start their matches with the black pieces in Round 1.
‘Viswanathan Anand Cup’ Unveiled
The World Cup trophy — a gleaming brass and gold-plated masterpiece — was officially renamed as the Viswanathan Anand Cup. It will serve as a rolling trophy, passed from champion to champion, symbolizing the legacy of India’s five-time World Champion and chess icon.
A letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, read out by AICF President Nitin Narang, formally declared the tournament open:
“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 augurs well for both India and the world.”
Leaders Laud India’s Chess Journey
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mandaviya praised the progress India has made since it last hosted the World Cup:
“Then we had fewer than 10 Grandmasters. Today we have 90, and India holds the Olympiad titles in both open and women’s categories. The Women’s World Cup title by Divya Deshmukh proves that our next generation is ready.”
Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted Goa’s growing role in sports tourism:
“We are proud to host the world’s best chess players. Events like the FIDE World Cup will boost our efforts to make Goa a global sports hub.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich added,
“It is only right that the World Cup returns to India — the ancient home of chess and a modern powerhouse of the game.”
Tournament Format and Key Players
The FIDE World Cup 2025, featuring 206 players from 82 countries, begins November 1 and continues till November 26.
- Top 50 players have received a bye in Round 1.
- Turkey’s GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus will play Libya’s CM Nagi Abugenda in the opening round.
- Among Indians, World Junior Champion Pranav V faces Ala Eddine Boulrens of Algeria.
- D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanandhaa will join the action from November 4.
AICF President Nitin Narang said,
“India will have 24 participants this year, the highest in tournament history. Hosting this event gives our players a once-in-a-generation opportunity on home soil.”
Goa’s Growing Sports Infrastructure
Goa Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar emphasized the state’s continued focus on sports development:
“This is the second major international chess event in six years. With events like the National Games and World Table Tennis, Goa is fast becoming a preferred global sports destination.”
How to Watch
Tickets for the first two rounds are available on BookMyShow, while the matches will be live-streamed on FIDE’s official YouTube channel, AICF, ChessBase India, and Chess.com platforms.
📅 Tournament Dates: November 1–26, 2025
🏆 Venue: Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Panaji, Goa
🎖️ Trophy: Viswanathan Anand Cup
🌍 Participants: 206 players from 82 nations
