Panaji, Oct 31 (NationPress) The esteemed FIDE World Cup 2025 was officially launched on Friday during a vibrant opening ceremony, announcing that the tournament's trophy would bear the name of five-time World Champion and Indian chess icon Viswanathan Anand. The ceremony celebrated the rich culture of India and Goa, featuring a spectacular light and music show that illustrated the Spirit and Story of Chess, setting the stage for this grand event at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.

During the ceremony, the World Cup trophy was renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup — a stunning creation made of brass and plated with gold, designed to endure for generations. This trophy symbolizes the passion, precision, and perseverance associated with India's first World Chess Champion and his lasting legacy.

The trophy will be a rolling one, passed on to each future champion of the FIDE World Cup. The tournament kicks off on Saturday (November 1), featuring 206 players from 82 countries competing for the prestigious title and three spots for the Candidates 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the event via a letter read by AICF President Nitin Narang, in which he expressed his best wishes, stating, 'As the Chess World Cup returns to the ‘home of chess’, it seems the game has come full circle. India’s growing role as a host for significant international sports events is encouraging for both India and the world… I declare the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 open!'

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Minister for Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports & Youth Affairs of Goa, Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and AICF President Nitin Narang, along with other distinguished guests and top grandmasters taking part in the tournament.

As dignitaries unveiled the World Cup trophy, GM Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women’s Chess World Cup champion, conducted the draw of colors ceremony, determining the starting colors for players in Round 1. She drew black for the top player, D. Gukesh, meaning all odd-numbered players will start with black pieces in their matches tomorrow.

In his remarks, Dr. Mandaviya commended the AICF and the Goa government for hosting this event in India, noting, 'When India last hosted the FIDE World Cup, we had fewer than 10 Grandmasters. Now we have 90, and India holds the Olympiad titles in both Open and Women's categories, along with the Women’s World Cup title won by Divya Deshmukh. India has made remarkable progress in these 23 years, and I am confident that hosting this World Cup will further propel us toward producing more champions in the future.'

The colorful ceremony commenced with a performance by the Hormuzd Khambata Dance Group, followed by a ‘Spirit of Goa’ act by Hema Sardesai and a performance by Quadrant Duo, before the iconic Usha Uthup concluded the evening with one of her signature performances.

In his address, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated, 'Goa is renowned for its hospitality, and we are thrilled to welcome the world's finest chess players. The state government is dedicated to promoting sports tourism, and hosting events such as the FIDE World Cup will significantly enhance our efforts.'

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich remarked, 'It is absolutely fitting that the World Cup is returning to India after 23 years. India is not only the ancient birthplace of chess but also a modern powerhouse in the chess world. I appreciate the AICF for their exceptional work that has led to this event.'

According to the tournament structure, the top 50 players receive a bye in the opening round. Turkey’s GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus will be the highest-ranked player in the opening round, competing against the lowest-ranked player, CM Nagi Abugenda from Libya.

Among Indian participants, reigning World Junior Champion Pranav V. will be the highest-rated player in Round 1, facing Ala Eddine Boulrens from Algeria. Top seed and World Champion D. Gukesh, second seed Arjun Erigaisi, and last edition's runners-up R. Praggnanandhaa will begin their matches from November 4.

AICF President Nitin Narang stated, 'The FIDE World Cup 2025 in India offers Indian players a valuable opportunity to shine on home ground. Besides direct qualifiers, we may also secure a wildcard for five additional Indian players, elevating total Indian participation to 24, the highest in tournament history. It would be the ultimate achievement if any of them could lift this coveted Cup on November 26.'

Goa Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar welcomed the players, saying, 'This marks the second time Goa is hosting a major international chess event in six years. We are committed to enhancing sports infrastructure and tourism opportunities in the state, and the successful execution of the 2023 National Games, WTT, and other events is just a step in that direction.'