SINGAPORE SECURES BID TO HOST THE 2024 FIDE WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Chess fans in Singapore and the region will get to witness the pinnacle of chess live in action, as the Singapore Chess Federation (SCF) – in partnership with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board – has won the bid to host the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore.
This tournament which will be held between 20 November and 15 December 2024, will see the reigning world champion, China’s Grandmaster Ding Liren, defending his title against Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh, the youngest challenger in the history of the championship. This will be the second time in the championship’s 138- year history that this tournament is held in Southeast Asia, the first being in Baguio, the Philippines in 1978.
“We are delighted that for the first time in the history of FIDE (International Chess Federation), a match for the World Championship will take place in Singapore. Not only is Singapore one of the most iconic global tourist and business hubs, but it is also a thriving chess center with great ambitions and talent,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said.
Mr Roy Teo, Chief, Industry Development, Technology & Innovation Group, SportSG, said “We are pleased to have won the hosting rights for the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship. Having the apex of chess tournaments in Singapore is testament to our strategy to feature a variety of sport events in our calendar. This event will also be an excellent platform to elevate the profile of chess in Singapore and in our region, cultivate greater partnerships with our stakeholders, and bolster Singapore’s standing as a choice destination for international sporting events. We look forward to partnering with the Singapore Chess Federation and FIDE to create a memorable experience for all participants and spectators tuning in from abroad.”
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, SCF said “We are delighted that FIDE has selected Singapore as the venue for the World Chess Championship match. In many ways, Singapore is the ideal location for this match, with our accessibility to chess fans from both countries and our extensive experience in hosting world-class sporting and cultural events. We also have a growing chess community in the country, evidenced by increasing participation numbers in scholastic events, newcomers to the game, as well as improvements in sporting results in the last few years.”
Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports & Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, added, “We are delighted that Singapore will host the FIDE World Chess Championship for the first time, providing a captivating backdrop for the thrilling match-up between the two Grandmasters and further solidifying our position as a leading destination for international marquee sporting events. We look forward to welcoming the Grandmasters, their fans and chess enthusiasts to Singapore this year-end, and hope they explore the diverse and vibrant offerings of Singapore and create lasting memories during their time here.”
The event will provide chess enthusiasts from Singapore and beyond the unique opportunity to spectate the world championship games in person. It will be accompanied by a rich array of ancillary events, including other tournaments and exhibition games. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Source: FIDE NEWS
