Elite chess returns to Indian shores

With top contenders skipping Goa, India's squad aims to cash in on home advantage in chess's most brutal knockout format

- Arun Janardhan

“The World Cup is a knockout format, more like a tennis tournament, like a Grand Slam,” says Nihal Sarin. “It’s important to be sharp because it’s a brutal format. One mistake can send you back.”

One of the top-ranked Indian chess players in the world, at No. 32, Sarin is, however, not particularly affected by India hosting the World Cup, which starts 30 October in Goa. He clarifies that the location or venue, since chess is mostly played indoors, does not matter so much.

“I wouldn’t say I feel anything different. But a one-hour flight is better than 10 hours,” he says, laughing, while referring to not having to travel abroad for it. “Other than that, I will try my best on the board.”

A record 24 Indians will participate in this year’s edition of the FIDE (International Chess Federation) World Cup, comprising more than 10 per cent of the 206-strong field, and much more than the 10 who competed in the event in 2023. The 11th edition of the $2 million prize money biennial event will run till 27 November at a resort in north Goa.

Divya Deshmukh, who won the women’s World Cup in July, has got a wild card and will be the only female competitor. Her second round opponent could be Sarin, after the top 50 players—including eight Indians—get a first round bye.

World champion Dommaraju Gukesh will be among a strong field of Indians who occupy eight places in the top 50 FIDE rankings (open category) as of October. Gukesh is the third highest ranked Indian, at No. 11, behind Arjun Erigaisi (No. 4) and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (No. 5).