Singapore to Host World Chess Championship Between Ding Liren and D Gukesh

Singapore's Kevin Goh Wei Ming, the CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation, played a pivotal role in securing the hosting rights for the World Chess Championship between reigning champion Ding Liren and rising star D Gukesh. The championship will be held in Singapore later this year, marking the first time the event will be held in Southeast Asia since 1978.

Goh's relationship with both players played a significant role in Singapore's successful bid. He has known Ding for several years and even played football with him during the Asian Indoor Games. Goh also contributed to Gukesh's path to greatness by losing to him in the 2018 Bangkok Open, helping Gukesh earn his first GM norm.

Goh believes that Singapore's neutrality was a key factor in winning the bid over two Indian cities. He also credits the support of Sports Singapore, the government agency responsible for hosting major sporting events.

The World Championship is expected to have a significant impact on chess in Singapore. Goh hopes that the event will inspire more interest in the game and highlight its benefits for different social groups. He also plans to create an immersive fan experience, including fan zones, master classes, and simultaneous exhibitions by chess legends.

Goh acknowledges the potential for an influx of Indian chess fans and welcomes them to Singapore. He believes that the championship will be a great opportunity for Indian tourists to visit the country.

Singapore has seen a surge in chess popularity since the pandemic. The number of school children participating in national age group tournaments has increased significantly. Goh attributes this growth to a shift in mindset among parents, who are now recognizing the benefits of chess for their children's development.

Despite the growth, Singapore still faces challenges in terms of training and funding. Goh hopes that the World Championship will help attract more sponsors and support for chess development in the country.

Tags: #WorldChessChampionship, #DingLiren, #DGukesh, #Singapore, #Chess