Celebrating World Chess Day: Vidit Gujrathi on the State of Chess in India and More

The world is celebrating World Chess Day today, marking the day of the inception of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs, also known as the International Chess Federation or FIDE. On this momentous occasion, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, one of India’s finest chess players, shared his insights on the state of chess in India and his recent performances in an exclusive interaction with News18 Sports.

Vidit expressed his disappointment at India losing out on hosting the World Championship, emphasizing the missed opportunity to elevate the game’s visibility and attract larger audiences. He highlighted the importance of having major chess-related events within the country to tap into the significant interest in the game among Indian audiences.

With the 45th Chess Olympiad approaching, Vidit discussed his preparation for the tournament, emphasizing the ongoing process of chess training and strategic focus leading up to the event. Despite facing initial setbacks in the Super United Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2024, Vidit reflected on the importance of taking risks and making necessary adjustments to improve his performance.

Vidit also announced a partnership with Ambit, a leading provider of financial advice in India. Karan Wadhwa, vice-president of Ambit, discussed their association with Vidit and how it aims to contribute to the promotion and development of chess on both local and global scales. The partnership includes initiatives such as organizing chess workshops, tournaments, and developing educational content to engage and inspire chess enthusiasts.

Ambit’s involvement in chess stems from the alignment between the strategic nature of the game and their brand values, emphasizing the importance of intellectual rigor and strategic thinking in both chess and financial decision-making. The long-term vision of the partnership is to foster the growth of chess in India by integrating the sport into Ambit’s brand identity and making it more accessible and popular across the country.

Overall, the collaboration between Vidit Gujrathi and Ambit signifies a significant step towards promoting and developing chess in India, showcasing the potential for strategic partnerships to enhance the chess ecosystem and inspire young talent in the country.