FIDE Chess World Cup logo, anthem by Daler Mehndi unveiled in Goa
A glittering ceremony dedicated to Goa’s cultural heritage and India’s growing reputation as a global powerhouse in chess headlined the launch of the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025 here on Tuesday.
Flagged off by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the 2025 edition of the World Cup marks the tournament’s return to India after 23 years. This chapter will feature 206 players from 82 countries.
The anthem of the showpiece—voiced by music legend Daler Mehndi—was also unveiled and seeks to capture the vibrancy and socio-cultural fabric of the state. Titled ‘It’s Your Move’, the number features leading Indian chess Grandmasters like D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Koneru Humpy, Tania Sachdev and Vidit Gujrathi.
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The tournament will be held in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, with the world’s top elite players playing for a prize purse worth $2 million USD (approximately INR 17.58 crore). The top three finishers also qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the penultimate stage of the World Chess Championship.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Honb’le Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “It is a moment of immense pride for Goa to host the FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious events in global chess. This milestone not only reaffirms our state’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for international sport but also celebrates India’s rising prominence on the world chess stage. The official logo and anthem reflect the very soul of Goa — vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted in culture — while capturing the strategic elegance of chess. We are ready to welcome the world’s finest players to our shores for 28 days of top-class competition, camaraderie, and an experience that blends the spirit of Goa with the brilliance of the game.”
India’s hosting of the FIDE World Cup underscores the nation’s growing influence and deepening passion for chess. The Indian contingent will be led by reigning World Champion D. Gukesh, alongside top talents such as Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujarathi, and Women’s World Cup Champion Divya Deshmukh will be playing her first home game since the historic win.
The tournament will also feature the 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy, Faustino Oro, also called the “Messi of Chess”. He is also set to be the youngest participant in Goa this year.
AICF President Nitin Narang thanked the Goa government for their support for the event and said, “Securing the hosting rights for the FIDE World Cup 2025 is a landmark moment for India and a testament to our growing credibility in the global chess community. Bringing a tournament of this magnitude to our shores — after 23 years — is not just a sporting success, but a proud national achievement. It will give Indian fans a rare opportunity to witness the world’s best players compete on home soil, inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. The anthem, with its energy and emotion, will revitalise chess across the country and take the game from clubs and academies into every home in India.”
Published on Oct 21, 2025