After more than 20 years, India will host the coveted FIDE World Cup in 2025, making history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the moment as a proud chapter for the nation, marking chess’s symbolic homecoming to its birthplace and showcasing India’s global sporting strength.
New Delhi, August 27, 2025 – India, often hailed as the birthplace of chess, is all set to host the FIDE World Cup 2025, marking the nation’s return to organizing one of the most prestigious events in the chess calendar after more than two decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride and joy over the announcement, describing it as a “historic moment for India’s sporting and cultural legacy.”
A Long-Awaited Return
The upcoming World Cup will be the first time since 2002 that India will play host to this global event. The 2002 edition was held in Hyderabad, and since then, the tournament has travelled across the world—Europe, the Americas, and Asia—before returning to the land that gave the game its origins.
Speaking at a press briefing, PM Modi said:
“The best chess players in the world are being welcomed with great pleasure in India. Hosting the FIDE World Cup 2025 is not just about a sporting event, but about celebrating India’s heritage as the birthplace of chess and reaffirming our nation’s position as a global sporting hub.”
The Legacy of Chess in India
Chess, known as “Chaturanga” in ancient India, is believed to have originated here more than 1,500 years ago before spreading to Persia and then to Europe, where it evolved into its modern form. Over the years, India has produced some of the greatest chess minds, from Viswanathan Anand, the five-time World Champion, to the current generation of stars such as Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, and Harika Dronavalli.
The return of the FIDE World Cup to India is therefore seen not just as a sporting milestone, but also as a symbolic homecoming for the game itself.
Why FIDE World Cup Matters
The FIDE World Cup is one of the most important events in the international chess calendar. It serves as a qualifier for the Candidates Tournament, which ultimately decides the challenger for the World Chess Championship. More than 200 of the best players from across the world, including reigning champions, rising prodigies, and seasoned grandmasters, participate in a knockout-style competition that captures global attention.
For India, hosting the World Cup is a matter of prestige and responsibility. It will place the country firmly on the chess map and offer young players an opportunity to watch their heroes in action on home soil.
Government’s Push for Sports and Global Events
The Modi government has been making consistent efforts to project India as a global sporting destination. From hosting the G20 summit with sports diplomacy components to major events like the Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai, India has shown remarkable organizational capabilities.
PM Modi highlighted this commitment, saying:
“India’s success in sports is a reflection of its growing confidence. By hosting the FIDE World Cup, we are showcasing not just our passion for chess but also our ability to host events of the highest international standard.”
Chennai – The Likely Venue
While the official venue is yet to be confirmed by FIDE and the All India Chess Federation (AICF), sources indicate that Chennai, often dubbed the “chess capital of India,” is the frontrunner. Chennai has produced several of India’s top grandmasters, including Viswanathan Anand, and successfully hosted the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022, which received global praise for its organization.
Other cities such as Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Bengaluru are also being considered for hosting select matches or parallel events.
Global Participation and Star Power
The FIDE World Cup 2025 is expected to witness participation from the world’s top-ranked players, including reigning World Champion Ding Liren of China, former champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway, American prodigy Hans Niemann, and rising stars from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
For Indian fans, the excitement will center around homegrown prodigies like Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin, who have all been making waves on the international circuit. Having the tournament on Indian soil could give them a psychological edge and boost their chances of going deeper into the competition.
Boost to India’s Chess Ecosystem
Experts believe the event will have a long-term impact on India’s sporting ecosystem:
1. Inspiring Young Talent: With chess already witnessing a surge in popularity, especially online, the World Cup could inspire thousands of young Indians to take up the game seriously.
2. Infrastructure Development: Hosting such a large-scale event will require top-class venues, training facilities, and hospitality services, which could leave behind a lasting legacy.
3. Tourism and Economy: The influx of international players, coaches, officials, and fans is expected to provide a significant boost to local economies, particularly in the host city.
4. Cultural Diplomacy: India can showcase its culture, traditions, and hospitality to the world, further strengthening its soft power.
Voices from the Chess Community
Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand welcomed the announcement, calling it a “dream come true for Indian chess lovers.” He said:
“It is fitting that the World Cup returns to India, the birthplace of chess. I am sure this event will inspire the next generation of players and firmly establish India as a global powerhouse in the game.”
Young sensation D. Gukesh, currently ranked among the top 10 globally, expressed his excitement:
“Playing at the World Cup in front of home fans will be a special experience. I want to give it everything I’ve got and honor the country.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich also praised India’s commitment, noting:
“India has shown itself to be a willing and competent host. We are delighted to bring the World Cup back to where the journey of chess began.”
India’s Rise in World Chess
Over the last decade, India has witnessed a meteoric rise in chess. From having only a handful of grandmasters in the early 2000s, the country now boasts over 80 grandmasters. India’s achievement at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, where the youthful team won medals, has been heralded as a turning point. Indian players frequently compete in premier tournaments.
With the government, corporate sponsors, and chess academies working together, India is increasingly being seen as a chess superpower, second only to Russia in terms of depth and talent.
Beyond Sports – A Cultural Celebration
Organizers plan to make the FIDE World Cup 2025 not just a sporting event, but a festival of culture and intellect. Alongside the main tournament, cultural programs, exhibitions on the history of chess, interactive workshops for schoolchildren, and AI-driven chess simulations are expected to be part of the celebrations.
Security and Hospitality Preparations
Authorities are making every effort to prepare for the catastrophe because of its magnitude. From tight security arrangements for players and delegations to ensuring seamless travel, accommodation, and medical facilities, India is determined to set a new benchmark in hosting international chess tournaments.
Looking Ahead
The precise dates will be decided in cooperation with FIDE, although the FIDE World Cup 2025 is planned for September–October of that year. The event will be spread over three weeks, culminating in a grand finale that is expected to draw global viewership.
For India, it is not just about winning games but about reaffirming its bond with a game that has traveled the world and yet feels most at home here.
The announcement that India will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 after more than two decades has sparked excitement across the nation. With chess enjoying a golden era in India, the event promises to be more than a tournament—it will be a celebration of history, talent, and cultural pride.
As PM Modi summed it up:
“This is not just India’s moment; it is chess’s homecoming.”
The stage is poised for India to shine on the world chessboard once more, with fans ready to cheer, legends observing, and young stars rising.
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