Tag: FIDEWorldCup

Events in Goa

No IFFI Inaugural at Shyama Prasad Stadium This Year; Parade to Open the 56th Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goa’s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goa’s carnival and Shigmo traditions.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festival’s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFI’s schedule continues as planned.

The IFFI Parade will serve as the festival’s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.

Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains India’s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision — one that extends the festival’s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.

As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Becomes First Indian Woman to Enter FIDE World Cup Final

allycaralgoa

Batumi, Georgia | July 24, 2025 — In a watershed moment for Indian chess, Divya Deshmukh, just 18 years old, has become the first Indian woman to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup.

Facing off against former World Champion Mariya Muzychuk in the semi-finals, Divya displayed fearless tactical aggression combined with razor-sharp positional play, defeating the Ukrainian grandmaster in a high-stakes thriller.

The Rise of a Young Champion

Divya’s World Cup journey has captured global attention, not only for her age but for the maturity and confidence she’s brought to every board. This latest victory under pressure cements her as one of the most promising young stars in the international chess arena.

“She played fearlessly, out-calculating a former World Champion under pressure — it’s a performance for the ages,” said a FIDE commentator post-match.

Final Showdown Awaits

Divya will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Koneru Humpy, India’s most decorated female chess player, and Lei Tingjie of China. The final is scheduled to take place on July 25 in Batumi.

If she wins, Divya will not only become a World Cup Champion but will also solidify her place among India’s chess greats — alongside Vishwanathan Anand, Humpy, and Harika Dronavalli.

Inspiring the Next Generation

This milestone is more than just personal glory — it’s a powerful symbol of India’s growing dominance in world chess, particularly in women’s sport.

Her rise from national prodigy to global finalist is inspiring a generation of young players, especially girls, to pursue the sport seriously.