A Historic Honour for Indian Chess
FIDE World Cup Trophy Named Viswanathan Anand Cup: In a proud moment for Indian sports, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 trophy has been renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup to honour India’s first chess Grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion. The announcement was made during a grand ceremony in Panjim, Goa, attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
This renaming represents a global recognition of Anand’s immense contribution to international chess. Static GK fact: FIDE stands for Fédération Internationale des Échecs, the international governing body of chess, established in 1924.
Highlights of FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to witness intense battles among the world’s finest minds. A total of 206 players from 80 countries will compete across eight knockout rounds of classical chess.
Indian prodigies D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa are among the leading participants aiming to continue India’s rising legacy in world chess. The draw of lots for the event was conducted by Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women’s Chess World Cup Champion.
Interestingly, world chess giants Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura have decided to skip this edition, giving rising stars a greater chance to shine. Static GK Tip: The first FIDE World Cup was held in 2000, and the format evolved into its current knockout structure in 2005.
Legacy of Viswanathan Anand
Fondly known as the “Tiger of Madras”, Viswanathan Anand became India’s first chess Grandmaster in 1988, marking a turning point in Indian chess history. His calm yet aggressive playing style made him a global sensation, earning him the World Championship title five times (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012).
Anand’s influence extended far beyond his victories. His success inspired a new generation of Indian chess stars, including Gukesh Dommaraju, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Nihal Sarin, who are now prominent faces in world tournaments.
Static GK fact: Anand received India’s highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, in 1991, and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2008.
Symbol of India’s Global Chess Ascent
The naming of the FIDE World Cup Trophy as the Viswanathan Anand Cup symbolizes India’s growing dominance in global chess. It marks the first time an international chess trophy has been named after an Indian player, underscoring Anand’s unparalleled impact on the sport.
This moment not only honours a legend but also represents the aspirations of millions of young Indian players striving to follow his path.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
FIDE World Cup Trophy Named Viswanathan Anand Cup:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 |
| Trophy Name | Viswanathan Anand Cup |
| Location of Ceremony | Panjim, Goa |
| Key Dignitaries | Mansukh Mandaviya, Pramod Sawant, Arkady Dvorkovich |
| Total Participants | 206 players from 80 countries |
| Tournament Format | Eight knockout rounds |
| Indian Participants | D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa |
| Non-participants | Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura |
| Draw Conducted By | Divya Deshmukh |
| Viswanathan Anand Title Wins | Five-time World Chess Champion |
