The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 was inaugurated today at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao, Goa marking the prestigious tournament’s return to India after 23 years. The World Cup, being held from October 31 to November 27, features 206 players from 82 countries competing for a total prize purse of two million dollars. Top names like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Wesley So, and Anish Giri are taking part, making Goa the global capital of Chess for the next four weeks.

 

In his message for the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, it was a matter of pride that the Chess World Cup had returned to India, the land where the game of Chaturanga was born. He described Goa as a befitting venue whose tranquil charm mirrors the quiet intensity of chess. The Prime Minister said the tournament highlights India’s growing role as a host of major international sporting events and expressed hope it would inspire youngsters to take up the game.

 

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya hailed India’s transformation into a global chess power, noting that the country has grown from 10 to 88 Grandmasters since it last hosted the event in 2002.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said the championship reflects Goa’s emergence as a vibrant sporting hub and a proud moment for India.<