Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand and Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant address the media.
PANAJI
The 11th edition of the FIDE World Cup is underway at Resort Rio, Arpora, and the venue is abuzz with a lot of cerebral action on the board game of 64 alternating coloured squares. Ahead of Round 2 on Tuesday, Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and five-time world chess champion and FIDE Deputy President, Viswanathan Anand addressed the media.
"It gives me great pride to be here for the ceremonial first move of Round 2 of Day 4 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 when the world's best players are competing at the highest level over the last three days. We have witnessed the remarkable performance, the tremendous discipline and outstanding sportsmanship from all the participants," the state CM remarked.
"The championship is not only a competition, but it is a platform that brings talent, friendship and unity through the sport. The Government of Goa will continue to support and encourage international and national sporting events," Dr. Sawant added.
The Indian chess legend, Viswanathan Anand meanwhile expressed delight that a chess tournament of this magnitude is being conducted in the state. "I'm so happy that the FIDE World Cup is taking place now in Goa. It is true that it is the second World Cup being held in India, but actually the first in the current form that is a qualification pathway for the Candidates. It is especially interesting because a lot of great players are competing for the final three spots," Anand said.
"It could not have happened without the support of the Government of Goa. It is a very large undertaking, with the venue, site and logistics, and we really want to thank the Government of Goa, and especially the state CM for his support," the Indian chess legend stated.
The state of Goa which has previously organised GM International Opens, in 2018, 2019 and earlier this year, saw the quality of participation by Elo ratings drop dramatically with the 2025 edition.
With the FIDE World Cup taking place in the state, does he foresee elite chess International Opens in the future? State CM Sawant, while acknowledging the question as a good one, promised that he will ask the local chess organisation about the same. But in the same breath, he also stated that the initiative has to come from them, and not the local government who will be there to extend their support.
Anand, to a question, opined that with the World Cup taking place in India it will enthuse young minds to dream big. "When we see an event happening in India, one gets a chance to come and visit, see their heroes playing. It will inspire them. If you see, there are players who when young, went somewhere and felt one day I want to be like that," Anand pointed out.
Speaking on similar lines, the state CM revealed that it has been the endeavour of his Government to popularize chess among the young. "We want to promote chess in schools and higher secondary schools with the help of the local chess association," Dr. Sawant said. The state CM also revealed he has made arrangements for free passes to ensure school students come to the Chess World Cup, and get inspired to take up the sport.
"Under the Hon. Indian PM Narendra Modi who speaks on promoting sports, and is ready to host the Olympics in the future, we want to take forward Viksit India 2047. To keep the fit movement alive, one has to play all games - to stay physically and mentally fit," Dr. Sawant asserted.
Anand, when asked about his predictions on the top three finishings at the Chess World Cup stated, "It is hard to call at this stage, but if you just look at the wealth of talents joining today (50 top seeds), it is going to be dramatic." While stating that the young guns seeded in the top 3 stood a good chance to stay there to the end, he did not discount the slightly older guys like MVL (Maime Vachier-Lagrave) and Levon Aronian , motivated enough to be up there as well.
