100 top players from more than 20 countries are expected to participate in the World Chess Championship of International Association of Chess with Physical Disability (IPCA).
Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai announced the championship dates at a press conference at Porvorim on Wednesday.
To be held from July 21 to 31, 2025 at the International Centre, Dona Paula; it will be organised by CFPD under the aegis of the All-India Chess Federation. The championship is being conducted in collaboration with the Goa Chess Association for Persons with Disabilities (GCAPD), and is supported by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (Government of Goa), the Sports Authority of India, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The 24th IPCA World Chess Championship is expected to bring together players from Russia, Israel, Poland, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Germany, South Africa, UAE, Sri Lanka, and hosts India. Among the notable international participants are IM Gurbanov Andrei (Israel), FM Molenda Marcin (Poland), FM Severino Sander (Philippines), IM Obodchuk Andrei (FIDE), FM Valenta Vit Vaclav (Czech Republic), CM Samarth Rao (India), and FM Venkata Krishna Karthick, the Asian Para Champion from India. Representing the host state of Goa, Sanjay Kavlekar and Amrut Naik are also likely to compete.
This prestigious championship has received enthusiastic endorsements from renowned national and international personalities and reflects India’s commitment to creating accessible, inclusive platforms for global sporting excellence. It resonates with the spirit of Purple Fest – Goa’s internationally recognised celebration of the talent and achievements of persons with disabilities—highlighting the power of chess as a unifying and empowering force.
