Did Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Make a Move at the FIDE World Cup?
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Synopsis
Abhinav Bindra, the first individual Olympic gold medallist from India, graced the FIDE World Cup 2025 by making the ceremonial first move in the final. His presence highlights the intersection of sports and chess, underlining the importance of physical and mental discipline in both fields.
Key Takeaways
- Abhinav Bindra's participation highlights the sporting synergy between athletics and chess.
- The Abhinav Bindra Foundation is dedicated to fostering future sports stars.
- Bindra's insights underline the importance of physical discipline in chess.
- The FIDE World Cup's return to India showcases the growing chess community.
- Top-tier players are now accessible to fans, enhancing the visibility of chess.
Panaji, Nov 24 (NationPress) Abhinav Bindra, India's pioneering individual Olympic gold medalist, made a notable appearance at the FIDE World Cup 2025. He had the honor of making the ceremonial first move in the opening match of the final, which featured Chinese GM Wei Yi and GM Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan on Monday.
The 43-year-old athlete, who clinched the 10m Air Rifle gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, inspired countless Indian sportspeople to strive for international success. He attended the event in Goa not only to witness elite chess but also engaged in a few matches himself with a FIDE official.
Although Bindra retired from competitive sports after the 2016 Rio Olympics, his commitment to sporting excellence has led to the establishment of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation. This organization focuses on identifying and nurturing India's future sports talents by implementing global best practices in sports science.
In a media interaction at the FIDE World Cup, the former champion expressed his joy at chess enthusiasts having the chance to watch top-tier players, thanks to the efforts of AICF and FIDE in hosting the World Cup in India after a 23-year hiatus.
Bindra also hinted at potential support for the growth of chess, stating, “Chess extends beyond mere sitting. It demands physical preparation and self-discipline, both mentally and physically. I would be happy to assist if any chess brands are interested in fostering this resilience.”
In the meantime, GM Wei Yi played another strong game with black pieces, securing a draw against GM Javokhir Sindarov in the opening match of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final, while GM Andrey Esipenko triumphed over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev in the third-place bout.
Point of View
Abhinav Bindra's involvement in the FIDE World Cup 2025 not only showcases his enduring commitment to sports but also emphasizes the growing popularity of chess in India. His efforts in supporting sports science and athlete development reflect a broader initiative to elevate Indian sports on a global stage, inspiring future generations.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abhinav Bindra?
Abhinav Bindra is India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, having won gold in the 10m Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
What role did Bindra play in the FIDE World Cup 2025?
Bindra made the ceremonial first move in the final match of the FIDE World Cup 2025, showcasing the importance of chess in the sporting community.
What is the Abhinav Bindra Foundation?
The Abhinav Bindra Foundation focuses on nurturing young sports talents in India by implementing global best practices in sports science.
Why is chess significant to Bindra?
Bindra sees chess as a sport that requires physical preparation and self-discipline, connecting it to the broader principles of athleticism.
What was the outcome of the opening game in the final?
GM Wei Yi managed to draw against GM Javokhir Sindarov in the opening game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final.
