India to bid to host World Chess Championship

All India Chess Federation (AICF) secretary Dev Patel said the country will bid to host the World Championship later this year. The marquee clash will take place between Chennai’s D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China. The dates and venue of the championship match are yet to be finalised.

D Gukesh earned the right to play in the World Chess Championship match by virtue of his success at the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, Canada. The 17-year-old became the youngest ever challenger for the world title.

“We are open to discussion with FIDE, the apex chess body, and we are certain that the best world championship will be held in India,” Patel, who is only 24 and heads the Gujarat Chess Association, told news agency PTI.

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“For me now, the most important aim is not to look at this as a World Championship proposal to FIDE, but to actually manifest this into making chess a popular sport in the country,” he added.

Patel said AICF will contact FIDE on this matter on Friday. In contention to host the event will be Gujarat, the traditional chess hub of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking about his expertise in the game, the youngest ever AICF secretary said he has a fair idea of the requirements of the players.

“I understand the complexity of the game and I also know that parents, coaches and the other supporting people literally have to do a lot to make a Gukesh or any other star,” he said, referring to his administrative experience running the Gujarat association.

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“And surely, the game of chess will be the winner,” said Patel who was elected to office last month.