Shyama prasad mukherjee stadium

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium: The prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025 was inaugurated on Friday at a vibrant opening ceremony at which it was announced that the tournament trophy will be named after five-time World Champion and Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand. The opening ceremony, a celebration of India and Goa’s rich culture — highlighted by a dazzling light and music show portraying the Spirit and Story of Chess, set the stage for the mega event at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium on Friday.

The ceremony also witnessed the World Cup trophy renamed as the Viswanathan Anand Cup — a masterpiece forged in brass and gold-plated to last a lifetime. The trophy stands as a testament to passion, precision, and perseverance, values synonymous with India’s first world chess champion and his enduring legacy.

It will serve as a rolling trophy, passed on to future champions of the FIDE World Cup. The tournament, commencing on Saturday (November 1), will feature 206 players from 82 countries vying for the coveted title and three Candidates 2026 spots.