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PANJIM: Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa will spearhead India’s challenge as the FIDE World Cup kicks off in Goa on Saturday, promising four weeks of world-class chess featuring 206 of the planet’s best minds from 80 countries.
The knockout event, carrying a prize pool of USD two million, will unfold over eight intense rounds. Each match consists of two classical games under standard time controls, followed, if necessary, by rapid and blitz tiebreaks on the third day to decide the victor.
With world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and the American heavyweights Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana skipping the event, the focus shifts to India’s young elite – reigning World Champion D Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi – all looking to leave their mark.
The stakes could not be higher. Three coveted qualification spots for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament – the pathway to next year’s World Championship match – are up for grabs. While Gukesh is already exempt as the reigning champion, Praggnanandhaa is nearly assured of a berth, and Erigaisi is chasing an elusive ticket to join the world’s top contenders.
Veterans Vidit Gujrathi and Pentala Harikrishna are also expected to mount strong challenges, while rising stars Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram join a record Indian contingent of 24 players competing in the event.
The top-50 ranked players, including the Indian trio, have been seeded directly into the second round, while 156 others will battle from round one to fill the remaining 78 spots in the 128-player draw.
With India’s chess enjoying a golden era – highlighted by Gukesh’s world title, Divya Deshmukh’s Women’s World Cup triumph, and team victories in both Open and Women’s Olympiads – the World Cup on home soil offers another grand stage to showcase the nation’s dominance.
Yet, the global field remains formidable. Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, who booked his place in the next Candidates via the Grand Swiss, will be a key contender, alongside Germany’s Vincent Keymer.
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Namibia’s No. 2 Heskiel embraces challenge
PANJIM: Namibia’s rising chess prodigy Heskiel Ndahangwapo, ranked No. 2 in his country, is back in India for the Chess World Cup in Goa, focused on gaining international experience rather than chasing medals.
Though drawn against a ‘very highly rated’ opponent, the calm and confident youngster remains upbeat. “At the moment, I’m not expecting a lot. We will see how the games go and how my preparation works out. But I am pretty confident,” he said.
Partnering Vladislav for the first time, Heskiel noted Namibia’s rapid chess growth. “Since around 2023, it’s been growing very much. A lot of schools now have chess, and we have a large community — maybe around 10,000 players,” he said.
Proudly recalling Namibian sprint legend Frankie Fredericks, Heskiel added that while he is not yet in Africa’s top 10, he believes he ranks within the top 50. “What’s really important is to get experience. I’m honoured to represent my country,” he said.
Viewing the World Cup as a key stepping stone, Heskiel said, “It’s a great way to grow for upcoming events and to gain more confidence to compete internationally.”
Trophy named after Vishy Anand
PANJIM: The FIDE World Chess Cup trophy, to be awarded at the ongoing tournament in Goa, has been officially named the Viswanathan Anand Trophy, honouring India’s five-time world champion and first Grandmaster.
The announcement was made during a vibrant opening ceremony attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
“Extremely proud and delighted to announce the Viswanathan Anand Cup, the FIDE World Cup (Open) Winner’s Running Trophy, instituted in honour of the King of Chess and India’s first Grandmaster, Shri Viswanathan Anand,” said AICF President Nitin Narang.
Majestic in design, the trophy features a peacock in a frozen dancing form, symbolising grace and brilliance.
