The 2025 FIDE World Cup, one of the most prestigious events in international chess, may be shifted from New Delhi to Goa, according to a report by The Indian Express. The possible relocation has stirred buzz within the chess community, though no official confirmation has been made.
Mahesh Candolkar, president of the Goa Chess Association, confirmed that Goa has emerged as the frontrunner to host the event. However, the Delhi Chess Association maintains it has not been informed of any such change. Bharat Singh Chauhan, president of the DCA, noted that state associations are typically notified six to seven months in advance when international events of this scale are planned.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF), which oversees tournament coordination through state associations, has yet to respond to questions about the potential venue shift. Interestingly, an email accessed by The Indian Express reveals that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sanctioned ₹2.5 crore to the AICF on May 8, 2025, for hosting the World Cup in Delhi between October 30 and November 27, 2025.
The exact reasons behind the potential move remain unclear. However, insiders point to administrative turbulence within the chess governing body. There are reports of possible government intervention, including the dissolution of the current AICF leadership and the call for fresh elections—just months after the office bearers for the 2024–27 term were unanimously elected in March 2024.
Originally, the event was to be held at either Bharat Mandapam or Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, marking India’s first major global chess tournament since the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai. If moved, this would be the second significant chess event shifted from Delhi, following the possible relocation of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam due to limited local sponsorship.
The FIDE World Cup is a biennial knockout tournament featuring over 200 of the world’s top players. It is a critical part of the World Championship cycle, with the top three finishers earning spots in the Candidates Tournament—the winner of which will challenge reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in 2026.