AICF Considering Hosting World Chess Championship Final between Ding Liren and Contender D Gukesh

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is considering hosting the World Chess Championship final between China’s Ding Liren and Indian contender D Gukesh. The newly-elected office bearers of the AICF are taking steps to popularize the sport in India, which has seen a surge in interest in recent years.

At the last month’s Candidates Chess Tournament, India was well represented with five grandmasters competing. 17-year-old Gukesh made history by winning the title and becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Championship contender. The AICF is now exploring the possibility of bidding to host the World Chess Championship, which was last held in India in 2013.

AICF’s chief Nitin Narang confirmed the intent to host the championship and stated that they are seriously considering the logistics and costs involved. Singapore has also expressed interest in hosting the event, which is estimated to cost around $8.5 million.

In an effort to popularize chess in India, the AICF has announced plans to support players with contracts, cash rewards, and funding for coaching. They aim to establish 20 online chess academies across the country to provide training to players of all ages and levels.

With India’s growing presence in the world of chess, hosting the World Chess Championship could be a significant milestone for the country. Stay tuned for updates on the bid and the future of chess in India.