India's bid to host the World Championship match for D Gukesh was unsuccessful, as Singapore emerged victorious over Chennai and Delhi. The event will feature a historic clash between the youngest-ever challenger and the current world champion, Ding Liren. Separate bids were submitted to FIDE by the AICF and the Tamil Nadu government for the match, which boasts a $2.5 million prize fund and is set for November 20 to December 15.
India’s efforts to secure a home World Championships match for D Gukesh were futile, with Singapore pipping Delhi and Chennai to claim hosting rights for the elite chess event, which would face the youngest Challenger in history against defending champion Ding Liren of China. The Tamil Nadu government and the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) made separate proposals to FIDE, the world chess governing organization. The event, with a USD2.5 million prize money, will take place between November 20 and December 15 of this year.
In an official statement, FIDE confirmed that Singapore will host the World Championship Match following a comprehensive review of various cities' venues, facilities, and proposed programming.
Gukesh entered the history books in April by winning the Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest person ever to challenge for the world title and breaking a record held by Garry Kasparov for four decades. Commenting on the hosting decision, AICF secretary Dev A Patel expressed a balanced view; while he was disappointed, he felt they had done everything possible. He emphasized that they presented their best offers and, while the outcome wasn't in their favor, they accept the competitive nature of the process and are proud of India's active participation.
Arkady Dvorkovich, the President of FIDE, expressed his excitement about Singapore hosting a World Championship match for the first time. He highlighted Singapore not only as a world-class destination for business and tourism but also as an ambitious and growing hub for chess talent.
Dvorkovich also extended his gratitude to New Delhi and Chennai for their bids, acknowledging both cities as legendary chess centers and promising that major tournaments would likely return to India in the future.
AICF president Nitin Narang stated that although they are naturally let down by the result, they take pride in the strength of the proposals they submitted. He further emphasized that the federation will provide Gukesh with every possible support for this landmark match.