Levon Aronian during round four at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Arpora.
PANAJI
Levon Aronian is not your typical elite level chess player. He may be playing a high-profile FIDE World Cup in Goa, but his vibes resonate with the state and its people – laidback, affable and vibrant.
With a rest day ahead of his Round of 16 clash against India No. 1 GM Arjun Erigaisi, the current world number 17 (classical chess) Armenian-born American GM, was his cheerful self at the hotel lobby milling around with his well-wishers. While many players were bracing themselves for the tiebreaks in Round 4, Aronian, was looking forward to spending the latter half of the day exploring the state with his wife, Anita. As he awaited their cab, the likeable chess player agreed for a spontaneous interaction with The Goan in the restaurant at Resort Rio, Arpora.
Not new to the state, Aronian has pleasant memories of his last visit here a long-time ago which has left an indelible imprint on his mind. “The first time I came to India, and to Goa was in 2002. We were staying in a very nice area in Panaji and I got to walk around, got to see the beautiful houses there. My impression was that it is a special place. There is a mix of European and Indian cultures,” Aronian reminisced.
Prior to the World Cup commencement, Aronian along with his wife stayed at a different location. “This time also, I wanted to come early, just to experience the same. My wife and I, stayed in a different area close to Fort Aguada that was very, very nice. We went to different beaches of course, we also went to the Aguada jail, walked around the fort, and also went to Museum of Goa, which is modern art so we liked it. We went to Fontainhas twice and had a good time,” he revealed.
The 43-year-old GM, acknowledged his satisfaction that the soul of the place is maintained. “I was expecting to see many high-risers, corporate things. But I felt good to see there is still some small businesses,” Aronian stated.
Matter-a-factly, when he came here last in 2002 to play chess it defined his future. “It was my last World Junior Chess Championship (U20) and that was the reason I was here and won that tournament. Winning the tournament was a big game-changer because back in the day, winning the World Juniors meant you are getting an invitation to some tournaments. At that moment, it was very important as I just moved to Germany and I had to make a decision because the Government of Germany was basically asking me to go and study something else. Once I won, I could present my case as a player and that is the reason why I am not studying because but I am a professional chess player,” the former World Rapid and Blitz Champion divulged.
A standout in chess tournament halls sporting his trademark bright shirts, Aronian radiates his sunny persona through his dressing taste. “I always liked colours. It has been a part of my personality and I never shied away from uncombinable colours. I feel at home in India, especially Goa. It is very colourful,” he gushed.
While here, Aronian has taken every opportunity to shop. “I bought some things with my wife. Personally, I liked the shirts. They are very nice here, good quality and very affordable,” he said.
The two-time World Cup winner, might be one of the favourites to win the title yet again, and qualify for the Candidates in Cyprus next year, but the fan favourite plays down the situation. “I never really have any kind of expectations. I am at the stage where I appreciate just being able to play. A year ago, I did not have many tournaments. I was really struggling. This year has been really good to me. I have had many invitations and tournaments to play. I am very happy finally finding my form and playing much more is helping me to get there. Thank God I feel healthy,” a grateful Aronian asserted.
While he may look to take each round and game as it comes at the ongoing FIDE World Cup, he is looking to absorb to what Goa has to offer. “I love many things in Goan cuisine; it is really wonderful. Of course, the fish. That is what Goan cuisine is famous for. I tried the curry, all types of fish here,” Aronian stated.
A zoophile, Aronian disclosed that he loves animals right from an early age. “I think it is very novel to see cows here roaming the streets. It is very pleasant for me,” he felt.
With a love for the country, Aronian already has the urge to return to discover more what India has to offer. “I had a great time on a holiday in Rajasthan in 2018, and mainly spent time in Jaipur. But now, I really want to go to the seven sister states to see more of the rural nature,” he disclosed.
Aronian opines that chess is a great social lift as has been the case with him. “With the support of the local Government given to chess, the game is becoming a good profession in India. I just hope budding chess players will find the passion and love for the game and continue developing,” the popular grandmaster stated.
