Opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE World Cup dazzles in Goa
The Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa hosted this afternoon the 2.5-hour-long opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE World Cup, marking the official start of one of the world’s most prestigious chess events. A vibrant mix of India’s leading music and film industry artists delighted an audience of over a thousand players, officials, and guests with a series of breathtaking performances interwoven with inspiring speeches from dignitaries and chess leaders. At 4:30 p.m. sharp, the evening’s presenters welcomed everyone to the ceremony, noting that 206 top players from around the world will compete for the USD 2 million prize fund in what promises to be the toughest intellectual battle ever, focused on strategy, determination, and motivation. After the audience stood for the Indian national anthem, the dignitaries performed the traditional lighting of the lamp a symbolic act representing blessings, greatness, and positivity. The distinguished guests included Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare and Sports & Youth Affairs of Goa; FIDE President Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich; and AICF President Mr. Nitin Narang. A curtain-raising video followed, celebrating The Spirit and Story of Chess, and concluding with the stirring line: “Where strategy meets spirit and champions are born.” The Hormuzd Khambata dance company then took the stage with a dazzling performance paying tribute to Goan color and culture. Among the evening’s speeches, two stood out. Mr. Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation, read a recorded message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his hope that the FIDE World Cup would inspire a new generation of players. He emphasized that “the event offers a special opportunity not only to showcase talent but also to motivate the youth ” and with these words, he declared the FIDE World Cup 2025 open. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich followed, reminding everyone that the tournament is among the most important and dramatic in the FIDE calendar. Of the 206 players participating, only three will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the world championship match. Dvorkovich described Goa as “not just a coastal paradise, but the Colosseum of Chess” where legends are forged and new champions born. He concluded by wishing all players good luck and fair play, adding: “While we cannot yet say who will be the winner in Goa, two things are certain: this will be a great event, and the players will experience the full breadth of Indian hospitality, which is difficult to match.” As Dvorkovich ended his remarks, the audience rose for the FIDE anthem, followed by an energetic live performance of The Spirit of Goa by Hema Sardesai and her band. Then came a special moment: GM Divya Deshmukh, the recent 2025 Women’s World Cup Champion and the only female player in this event, joined the presenters on stage to conduct the drawing of lots. By selecting black for Gukesh, the top seed, it was determined that all odd-numbered players will start their first games with the black pieces. Divya shared her excitement: “Playing on home soil and representing India gives me an extra sense of pride and motivation.” A flute and beatbox performance by the Qudrot Duo followed, before the dignitaries reunited on stage to unveil the Vishwanathan Anand World Cup Trophy – a magnificent brass and gold-plated creation, symbolizing passion, precision, and performance. A final video screening of the official World Cup song – It’s Your Move – preceded the night’s closing performance by the legendary Usha Uthup band, who brought the house down with powerful renditions including Skyfall from the James Bond film of the same name. Round 1 begins on November 1 at 3 PM local time. The action can be followed live on the FIDE YouTube Channel, featuring expert commentary by GMs Evgenij Miroshnichenko and Jan Gustafsson. To watch the games in person, tickets can be purchased [HERE] Official website: worldcup2025.fide.com/ Written by Michael Rahal Photos: Michal Walusza
FIDE, AICF and KIIT University sign landmark MoU to promote chess in education and society
Goa, India — October 31, 2025 A new chapter for chess and education was written this morning at the Hotel Rio Resort in Goa, India, where the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the All India Chess Federation (AICF), and KIIT University officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the values of chess in education and society across India, Asia, and the world. The signing took place just hours before the opening of the 2025 FIDE World Cup, highlighting the shared commitment of all parties to use chess as a tool for learning, inclusion, and personal growth. President Arkady Dvorkovich, representing FIDE; President Nitin Narang, representing the AICF; and Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS Universities and Member of Parliament, signed the MoU in a ceremony attended by chess officials, educators, and media representatives. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation through 2025 and 2026, focusing on joint initiatives such as training programs, workshops, conferences, research, case studies, school competitions, and awareness campaigns. The collaboration also aims to enhance teacher training and develop educational programs that bring chess into classrooms and communities — beginning in India and expanding globally. “We have recently launched the 2026 Year of Chess in Education, following this year’s Year of Social Chess. There is an ongoing effort to fulfill the social mission of our beloved game, and we are delighted to find more and more partners joining us in this endeavor. This Memorandum will help us promote chess in schools and share best practices and knowledge—not only in India but globally,” said Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. “It’s a proud moment to sign this MoU, with India leading the way in Social Chess. I am confident that AICF, KIIT, and FIDE will make every effort to ensure that every school provides access to chess from an early age,” said Nitin Narang, President of AICF. “We are committed to promoting all forms of sports in India, and our chess programs have been running successfully for many years. I warmly invite everyone to the January conference in the beautiful city of Bhubaneswar, and I hope it will be a great success,” said Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS Universities. As part of the agreement, an International Conference on Social Chess and Educational Chess will be held in January 2026 in Bhubaneswar, hosted by KIIT University. This event will form part of FIDE’s global initiatives: the Year of Social Chess 2025 and the Year Chess in Education 2026, bringing together international and Indian experts to explore how chess can foster social inclusion and educational innovation. In closing the ceremony, Arkady Dvorkovich presented KIIT University and the AICF with the Social Chess Years Award Medal, in recognition of their commitment to advancing chess for social good. This landmark collaboration underscores India’s growing leadership in the global chess movement — demonstrating how the game can transform education, empower youth, and connect communities worldwide. About AICF The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is the national governing body for chess in India, overseeing the game’s development and organization from grassroots to elite levels across the country. About KIIT University KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology), based in Bhubaneswar, India, is one of the country’s leading universities, renowned for its commitment to inclusive education, innovation, and social impact through its sister institution, KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences).