The All India Chess Federation intends to bid for the hosting rights of the upcoming World Chess Championship match between grandmaster D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren, the newly elected secretary Dev Patel expressed on Thursday.
This decision comes at a time when the country is celebrating the success of D Gukesh, the youngest-ever challenger for the world title. Gukesh secured his position by winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto.
Dev Patel expresses his thoughts on hosting World Chess Championship
The World Chess Championship, which will be held in the last quarter of the year, is yet to finalize its dates and venue. The marquee clash will see Chennai’s D Gukesh take on the defending champion, Ding Liren of China.
Patel expressed his confidence in India’s ability to host the championship, stating, “We are open to discussion with FIDE, the apex chess body, and we are certain that the best world championship will be held in India”. He emphasized that the primary aim is not just to propose India as a host to FIDE, but to use this opportunity to popularize chess as a sport in the country.
🗞♟️ 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀! The All India Chess Federation secretary Mr. Dev Patel said "We are open to discussions with FIDE, the apex chess body, and we are certain that the best World Chess Championship will be held in India".
🤩 The game… pic.twitter.com/U1iuphXkmD
— India at Paris 2024 Olympics (@sportwalkmedia) April 25, 2024
The AICF plans to contact FIDE regarding the bid. The states in contention for hosting the championship are Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Each of these states has a strong chess culture and infrastructure, making them ideal candidates.
Patel, being the youngest ever AICF secretary and having administrative experience running the Gujarat association, understands the complexity of the game and the requirements of the players. He acknowledges the efforts of parents, coaches, and other supporting people in shaping a star like Gukesh.
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