"VAN" (Sports Desk, Goa - 01.11.2025) :: 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.
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.
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