All India Chess Federation Mulls World Title Match Venue For D Gukesh & Ding Liren

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is buzzing with anticipation as it weighs the possibility of hosting the prestigious World Chess Championship on Indian soil. The recent triumph of 17-year-old chess prodigy D. Gukesh in the FIDE Candidates tournament has positioned him as a formidable challenger to the reigning world champion, China’s GM Ding Liren.

Youthful Triumph and Historic Achievement
Gukesh etched his name in chess history by clinching victory in the FIDE Candidates tournament held in Toronto, Canada. His remarkable feat of scoring nine points in 14 rounds propelled him to the forefront of contention for the world title. Notably, Gukesh's triumph marks him as the youngest player ever to claim victory in the esteemed tournament, underscoring India's burgeoning talent pool in the world of chess.

Assessment and Ambitions

Nitin Narang, President of AICF, expressed cautious optimism regarding India's bid to host the World Chess Championship. While deliberations are underway, Narang emphasised the pivotal role of sponsors and government support in realising this ambition. The AICF remains committed to providing Gukesh with due recognition for his outstanding achievements, including a substantial financial reward. “We are assessing the situation. There will be more clarity on the subject in a couple of days. Once we understand what is needed to host the event, then we will decide,” he said.

Corporate Interest and Government Backing
While Narang refrained from divulging specifics, reports suggest that corporate entities have been approached to sponsor the title match should India secure the hosting rights. Government support is deemed essential in facilitating the successful organisation of such a prestigious event, further highlighting the collaborative efforts required to bring the World Chess Championship to Indian shores.

Favourable Prospects and Expert Opinions

Former women's world champion (1996-99) and Grandmaster Susan Polgar expressed her view, stating, "I believe Gukesh will be the slight favourite against Ding Liren. The world champion is a very good player. However, he has not been very active and his form is not at its peak," when questioned about the Indian's prospects of clinching the world championship title.

Turning Point for Indian Chess
Narang lauds Gukesh's achievements as a pivotal moment for Indian chess, heralding a potential shift in the trajectory of the sport within the country. Gukesh's stellar performance not only exemplifies India's rising prominence in global chess circles but also serves as a catalyst for further development and recognition within the chess community.

A Legacy of Hosting Excellence
India boasts a rich legacy of successfully hosting prestigious chess events, including the World Chess Championship and the Chess Olympiad. The memorable clash between former champion V. Anand and challenger Magnus Carlsen in Chennai stands as a testament to India's organisational prowess and passion for the game. Gukesh's stellar showing at the Chennai Chess Olympiad further solidifies India's credentials as a formidable force in international chess.

Anticipation Builds for the World Championship
As FIDE prepares to announce the dates and venue for the World Chess Championship, anticipation mounts within the global chess fraternity. The prospect of witnessing Gukesh's meteoric rise culminating in a showdown against Ding Liren adds an extra layer of excitement to the forthcoming championship. With India's bid to host the event gaining momentum, the chess world eagerly awaits the unfolding of this historic chapter in the annals of the game.