Goa plans to take chess to every school after FIDE World Cup success

Goa CM Pramod Sawant announced plans to introduce chess in every school after hosting the FIDE World Cup 2025. The event saw 206 players from 82 countries, with Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov becoming the youngest champion

Hyderabad: Impressed with the overall conduct of the FIDE World Cup 2025 and the interest it generated among school children, Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant asserted that they now plan to take the sport to every school in the state, which is fast becoming a dynamic sports hub.

Sawant was speaking on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the FIDE World Cup 2025, which was held at a five-star resort in North Goa under the aegis of FIDE and the All India Chess Federation, supported by the Goa government. The ceremony was also attended by former world champion and two-time World Cup winner Viswanathan Anand, after whom the trophy is now named; AICF President Nitin Narang; FIDE Secretary General and Technical Delegate Lukasz Turlej; Director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr Ajay R Gaude; Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS; and other dignitaries.

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A total of 206 players from 82 countries participated in the prestigious tournament, with Uzbekistan GM Javokhir Sindarov becoming the youngest World Cup winner after beating China’s GM Wei Yi in the final via tiebreak. GM Andrey Esipenko took the third Candidate spot on offer from the World Cup.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Sawant said, “When I took charge of office, Goa was primarily known as a tourist destination. But I firmly believe that Goa can be much more. That is why the Goa government has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, bringing top international events to the state along with implementing youth development programmes.

“Hosting events like the World Table Tennis, National Games and now the FIDE World Cup are part of our vision to make Goa the sporting capital of India. This World Cup has created a legacy that will live for decades,” he added.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, AICF President Nitin Narang thanked the Goa government for its support and said, “Standing here in Goa today, the world has witnessed a shift. India is no longer just hosting events, India is setting global benchmarks. From the Chess Olympiad to the booming Grandmasters ecosystem to this electrifying World Cup, India is where global sporting dreams now land. And this truly is just the beginning.”