FIDE has initiated the bidding process for the upcoming World Championship, allocating approximately Rs 80 crore for the event. The All India Chess Federation will need to allocate the same amount if it intends to host the highly anticipated match between FIDE candidate champion D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren. Scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 15, this championship promises to be a thrilling spectacle for chess enthusiasts worldwide.
On Saturday, the global governing body of chess called for tenders from potential hosts for this prestigious event. Dev Patel, the newly appointed secretary of the All India Chess Federation, had previously expressed the federation’s keen interest in hosting the grand finale. Given Gukesh’s remarkable achievement in winning the Candidates tournament in Toronto, the Chess Federation of India is eager to showcase India as the ideal venue for the World Championship.
Gukesh, at just 17 years old, emerged victorious in the Candidates tournament, earning him the title of the youngest challenger for the world title. Prospective bidders are required to meet the specified criteria outlined by FIDE, including a budget of approximately 71 crores and a facility fee of around Rs 9 crores for the global organization. The championship is slated to span a duration of 25 days.
With FIDE offering a total prize money of over 20 crores, a significant increase from previous years, reaching more than two million dollars (approximately 17 crores) in 2023, the stakes are higher than ever before. A decision regarding the host for the championship is expected to be made by FIDE by May 31.
Dev Patel, in a statement to PTI, emphasized the willingness of the All India Chess Federation to engage in discussions with FIDE, expressing confidence that India would provide the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an extraordinary world tournament.
