In a historic tribute to India’s chess icon, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has named the World Cup trophy after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. The announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the FIDE World Chess Cup 2025 in Goa, marking a proud milestone for Indian sport.
The newly christened Viswanathan Anand Cup will be a rolling trophy awarded to each year’s champion. Designed with a peacock motif symbolising grace and brilliance, the trophy reflects the artistry and intellect that have defined Anand’s career.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich were present at the unveiling ceremony, alongside leading Indian Grandmasters.
FIDE said the decision recognises Anand’s immense contribution to popularising chess across continents. Often called the “Tiger from Madras,” Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 and went on to inspire a generation of young stars including Gukesh Dommaraju, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi, who now feature prominently in global tournaments.
“All of us in the chess world owe a debt of gratitude to Viswanathan Anand,” Dvorkovich said. “He not only brought India into the world map of chess but helped elevate the sport to new heights of respect and recognition.”
All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang called the trophy a symbol of India’s new era in chess and marked this as a moment of national pride by honouring the man who turned an individual pursuit into a movement.”
With over 200 players from more than 80 countries competing and three qualifying spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament at stake, the Goa edition of the World Cup is already being hailed as a defining chapter in chess history, one that begins under the name of Viswanathan Anand.
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