Two FIDE officials in Chennai to inspect potential venues for World Championship match
Two officials from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) visited Chennai for an inspection of potential venues for the World Championship match between Gukesh D and Ding Liren. Furthermore, they also inspected the player accommodation venues in the city on Friday, June 21.
Notably, FIDA has received bids from Chennai, New Delhi, and Singapore to host the World Championship match later this year. FIDE Planning and Development Commission (PDC) Secretary, Kermen Goryaeva, and Head of Public Relations (PR), Anna Volkova were part of the inspection team. They are expected to announce the venue by the end of June.
Both officials inspected the convention center at the Chennai Trade Centre complex and Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium as potential venues for the most anticipated match. Additionally, they inspected three private hotels - ITC Grand Chola, Hyatt Regency, and Taj Connemara - for player accommodation.
The Chennai Grandmasters, supported by the TN government through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), was hosted at the Leela Palace Hotel in 2023. Earlier, the Chess Olympiad was also held at Mahabalipuram in 2022.
FIDE receives 3 bids for hosting World Championship match
The apex organization has received bids from Chennai, New Delhi, and Singapore to host World Championship match. Separate teams have been tasked for inspecting the venues and the decision will be finalized in some days.
All three bidders have already agreed to a minimum guarantee money of USD 8.5 million (approx INR 71 crore).
“After we collect reports from all three places, FIDE management will discuss all the reports and decide where to hold the match. The reports will be done in two or three days (from inspection). By the end of June, the venue will be announced,” Volkova was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
“There are specific things. For example, we need dedicated routes for players because we expect a lot of visitors and a lot of audience, and, of course, we don’t want to disturb the players. So, usually, they need some space for their privacy, not to be disturbed by someone,” she added.
It’s worth noting that this was Volkova’s third visit to Chennai. Earlier, she visited the city for the Olympiad 2022 and the inspection for the event.
Notably, in 2013, the Hyatt Regency in Chennai hosted the World Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen.