Buoyed By D Gukesh's Victory, India Eyes Hosting Rights For Key World Chess Championship Game; AICF Secretary Dev Patel Leads Bid

The newly-elected secretary of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), Dev Patel, announced on 25 April that India will bid for the hosting rights of this year's highly anticipated World Chess Championship match between teenage sensation D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China.

Gukesh, 17, made history by becoming the youngest challenger for the world title after winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto on Monday (22 April).

The dates and venue for the world championship, scheduled for the last quarter of the year, are yet to be finalised, as per a report by The Hindu.

"We are open to discussions with FIDE, the apex chess body, and we are confident that India will host the best world championship," said Patel, who is just 24 years old and heads the Gujarat Chess Association, in an interview with PTI.

"My main goal now is not just to propose India as the venue for the World Championship to FIDE, but to truly promote chess as a popular sport in the country," he added.

Patel mentioned that the AICF will reach out to FIDE on this matter on Friday. He listed Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as the states interested in hosting the championship.

Discussing his understanding of the game, Patel, the youngest-ever AICF secretary, expressed his familiarity with the players' needs.

"I comprehend the intricacies of the game, and I am aware that parents, coaches, and other support personnel put in a lot of effort to nurture a talent like Gukesh or any other star," he said, reflecting on his administrative experience with the Gujarat association.

"In the end, the game of chess will emerge as the ultimate winner," he concluded. Patel assumed office last month.