India submit two bids for hosting World Chess Championship

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has submitted two bids to host the World Chess Championship, confirmed Emil Sutovsky, CEO of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

The title clash to be played between teen prodigy D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China in November-December this year.

“Three bids to host the FIDE World Championship Match-2024. Chennai, Singapore, New Delhi (in order of submission),” Sutovsky wrote on X.

“All meet the criteria. Next week FIDE Council to discuss it – representatives of the bidders invited to share details and take questions. Final decision in June,” he added.

Three bids to host the FIDE World Championship Match-2024. Chennai, Singapore, New Delhi (in order of submission). All meet the criteria. Next week FIDE Council to discuss it – representatives of the bidders invited to share details and take questions. Final decision in June.

— Emilchess (@EmilSutovsky) June 1, 2024

Youngest challenger

Gukesh, 17, became the youngest-ever challenger for the world title by winning the Candidates Tournament last month.

Grandmaster D. Gukesh of India during his Round 14 match against Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura of USA at the FIDE Candidates 2024 chess tournament, in Toronto, Canada, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (FIDE/Michal Walusza)

Gukesh, who has been mentored by five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, bettered Russian legend Garry Kasparov’s 40-year-old record to become the youngest Candidates champion.

The Russian great was 20 when he qualified in 1984 to clash with compatriot Anatoly Karpov.

Last time India hosted the event

India has hosted the prestigious showpiece in 2000 and 2013. In the 2000 edition, Anand claimed the first of his five world titles by winning the event played in a tournament format with 100 players. Anand defeated Alexei Shirov in the final.

In 2013, Anand lost to Norwegian challenger Magnus Carlsen.

The total prize money awarded by FIDE would be around USD 2.5 million (Rs. 20 crore plus) after the fund was increased from the USD two million (Rs. 17 crore) in 2023.

The duration of the tournament is 25 days and approval of regulations will be completed by July 1.

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