India Bids to Host World Chess Championship Clash between D Gukesh and Ding Liren

India has submitted its bid to host the much-anticipated World Chess Championship clash between teen sensation D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China in November-December this year. The 17-year-old Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest ever challenger for the world title after winning the Candidates Tournament last month.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is vying for the hosting rights, with FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky confirming that India has submitted the bid. The deadline for other countries to enter the race is May 31, with Singapore expected to be India’s main competitor.

If AICF wins the bid, they will need to allocate close to Rs 71 crore for the event. The tournament is set to take place between November 20 to December 15 in Chennai, with a total prize money of around USD 2.5 million.

Gukesh’s remarkable achievement at the Candidates has sparked a renewed interest in chess, with the young talent mentored by legendary player Viswanathan Anand. Anand himself has a rich history with the World Chess Championship, having won the title in 2000 and losing to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.

India has previously hosted the prestigious event in 2000 and 2013, with Anand claiming his first world title in the former. The upcoming clash between Gukesh and Liren promises to be a thrilling battle of youth and experience, with chess enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the final decision on the hosting rights.