World Chess Champion D. Gukesh looks forward to FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa

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D. Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, has shared his enthusiasm for the FIDE World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in Goa, marking the first time India will stage the prestigious global chess event.

Speaking about the announcement, Gukesh said he is “looking forward to playing on home soil” and hopes the event will motivate more young Indians to take up chess competitively. The 19-year-old champion, who became the youngest world titleholder in history earlier this year, described the World Cup as “a celebration of how far Indian chess has come.”

The event is expected to attract over 200 of the world’s top players, alongside coaches, delegates, and international officials. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Goa Tourism Department are jointly organising the tournament, with support from FIDE, the sport’s global governing body.

Officials said the championship will spotlight India’s emergence as a global chess powerhouse, following the success of players such as Viswanathan Anand, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Koneru Humpy. Goa’s selection as host reflects India’s growing reputation for managing international sporting events with world-class infrastructure and hospitality.

Gukesh added that he hopes to see “packed halls, inspired children, and a wave of new chess enthusiasm” during the tournament.