A three-way race is underway for hosting the upcoming FIDE World Chess Championship, with Chennai, Delhi, and Singapore vying for the honor. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is set to finalize one venue from India after both cities met the necessary requirements. The AICF is leaning towards Delhi, having hosted the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai previously.
Two-time former state chess champion Karun Duggal has served the All India Chess Federation (AICF) with a legal notice demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation for the removal of his Elo rating and a ban in 2010. Duggal claims the ban was due to his participation in a tournament organized by a rival federation, the Chess Association of India (CAI). He argues that the AICF’s actions were unjustified and cost him valuable playing time.
India will bid to host the World Chess Championship later this year, featuring Chennai’s D Gukesh as the challenger and defending champion Ding Liren of China. Gukesh secured his spot in the match after winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, becoming the youngest ever contender. The All India Chess Federation (AICF), led by Secretary Dev Patel, expressed confidence in hosting the championship, emphasizing the potential to make chess more popular in the country. The venue and dates are still under discussion with FIDE, the governing body of chess. Several Indian states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, are in contention to host the event.
