Tag: youth chess

Sports

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Returns to India After 23 Years, to Be Held in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.

A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.

Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.

The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.

Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.

Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.

With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.

Sports

Shaunak Badole & WCM Deekshitha Modipalli Crowned Champions at 38th National U-13 Chess Championship in Margao

allycaralgoa

Margao, Goa: The 38th National Under-13 Chess Championship 2025 concluded in grand style at Daivadnya Bhavan, Margao, with Maharashtra’s Shaunak Badole and Telangana’s WCM Deekshitha Modipalli crowned champions in the Open and Girls’ categories, respectively.

Badole (Elo 2086) outplayed Kerala’s Arush A (2105) in the final round to secure the Open crown with an unbeaten score of 10 points. He received a trophy and ₹80,000. Karnataka’s Siddhanth Poonja (2215) and CM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma (2187) of Madhya Pradesh claimed second and third positions. Maharashtra’s Siddhant Salunke and Gujarat’s Shubh Atha completed the top five.

In the Girls’ section, WCM Deekshitha (1934) drew with Gujarat’s Arpita Patankar to clinch the title with 9.5 points. She too received a trophy and ₹80,000. Maharashtra’s Mysha Perwez (9 points) finished second, while West Bengal’s Maitreyi Mondal (8.5 points) secured third place. Andhra Pradesh’s WCM Aamuktha Guntaka and Sravyasree Bheemarasetty rounded off the top five.

Goa’s best performances came from Joshua Mark Telles (38th, 7.5 points) in the Open and Asmi Amit Terse (38th, 7 points) in the Girls’ event.

The tournament saw a record 597 participants from across India, making it one of the largest in the championship’s history. The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Minister for Public Works Digambar Kamat, who released the tournament souvenir. The event also saw the presence of All India Chess Federation’s Ajit Verma and officials from the Goa Chess Association.

The championship not only showcased the exceptional talent of India’s young chess prodigies but also reaffirmed Margao’s growing reputation as a host city for national-level sporting events.