India is set to host the much-anticipated World Championship clash between teen sensation D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China this year, announced Dev Patel, the newly-elected secretary of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) on April 25. Gukesh, 17, earned the title of youngest ever challenger for the world championship by winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto. The dates and venue for the championship, scheduled for the last quarter of the year, are still being finalized.
Patel expressed openness to discussions with FIDE, the apex chess body, and is confident that India can host the best world championship. He emphasized that 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.
With his experience as the youngest AICF secretary and knowledge of player requirements, Patel acknowledges
