India Bids to Host World Championship Match between Teen Chess Prodigy Gukesh and Ding Liren of China: Dev Patel’s Plan for Popularizing Chess in India

India has been bidding to host the World Championship clash between teen sensation D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China this year. Dev Patel, the newly-elected secretary of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), made this announcement on April 25. Gukesh, 17, earned the title of youngest ever challenger for the world championship by winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto.

Dev Patel expressed openness to discussions with FIDE, the apex chess body, about hosting the championship. He believes that India can host the best world championship and his primary goal is to promote chess as a popular sport in the country. Patel plans to contact FIDE about the bid on Friday, mentioning that Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are potential host states.

Patel acknowledges that nurturing chess talents like Gukesh requires efforts from parents, coaches, and supporters. He believes that by hosting the world championship, chess will emerge as the ultimate victor. Patel was elected to office last month and is determined to elevate chess in India.