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FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich Opens 2025 Women’s World Cup
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup opened with a spectacular ceremony in Batumi, Georgia. Players, guests, and accompanying persons enjoyed an evening of traditional Georgian music and dance. Historical images of Georgian women’s chess played on screen, celebrating the nation’s rich chess legacy.
The Batumi Drama Theatre, lit by a stunning crystal chandelier, hosted this special night. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich joined over 100 players from 46 countries for the opening.
At exactly 19:30 local time, the deep sound of a gong signaled the start. The tournament title, “FIDE Women’s World Cup Batumi 2025,” appeared on the curtain.
The Georgian national anthem played, followed by the FIDE anthem. The orchestra performed “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and then the traditional Georgian war dance, “Khorumi.” Dancers carried the Georgian flag, the FIDE flag, and the Adjara flag on stage.
Hosts welcomed everyone warmly. They explained that the event is organized by FIDE and the Georgian Chess Federation. It is supported by the Ministry of Sport of Georgia, the Government of Adjara, Batumi City Hall, and other local partners. They shared that this World Cup brings together the world’s best female chess players. For Georgia, hosting such a prestigious event is an honor and highlights its great contribution to world chess.
Akaki Iashvili, President of the Georgian Chess Federation, gave a passionate speech. He welcomed FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and FIDE Vice President Mahir Mammedov. Akaki proudly announced that seven Georgian players will compete in this tournament.
He reminded everyone of Georgia’s history of women world champions, like Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze. Also he spoke about Georgia’s experience hosting top chess events, including the 2018 Chess Olympiad. He promised that players would enjoy the best conditions to compete and shine.
Akaki thanked everyone who made this event possible, especially the Ministry of Sport, the Government of Adjara, and Batumi City Hall. He wished all players a successful and inspiring tournament.
Then, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich took the stage. With his usual humor, he thanked the Ministry of Culture of Adjara, Horizons Group, and the Batumi State Drama Theatre. He said it felt great to return to Batumi, where he had worked during the 2018 Olympiad. He praised Batumi as one of the best places to host a World Cup. Dvorkovich encouraged the players to be role models for young girls who dream of becoming chess champions.
FIDE Vice President Mahir Mammedov and Chief Arbiter Mahdi Abdulrahim drew lots to decide board colors. Two bottles of Georgian wine were used in the draw, and it was decided that players with odd numbers would play Black in the first round.
The evening ended with stunning performances by famous Georgian artists. The State Ensemble of Song and Dance of Adjara – Arsiani, performed traditional folk music. Archil Gogitidze sang “My Way,” accompanied by the Georgian Women’s Chamber Orchestra. The audience watched moving footage of Georgia’s chess history.
Youth dancers from the Arsiani Ensemble performed a classic Georgian dance. Singer Sopho Khalvashi performed “My Secret.” Then came a duet by Rusa Tavartkiladze and Luka Chanisvhili. The gala concluded beautifully with tenor Irakli Korifadze and the orchestra performing “Nessun Dorma.”
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup has now officially begun, promising exciting chess and unforgettable moments in Batumi.
Photos: Polina Bovina, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
