India is making significant strides on the global chess stage, not just through its outstanding players but also through its dedicated officials. International Arbiter Swapnil Bansod, the sole Category A International Arbiter, FIDE Lecturer from Nagpur and the Vidarbha region, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Arbiter for the esteemed FIDE World Cup 2025. This event is set to take place in Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27, 2025.
The FIDE World Cup stands as one of the highlight events in the FIDE chess calendar, featuring elite competitors such as World Champion GM D. Gukesh, GM R. Praggnanandhaa, GM Arjun Erigaisi, Women’s World Cup winner GM Divya Deshmukh, and Nagpur’s first GM Raunak Sadhwani, along with other top talents from around the globe.
As Deputy Chief Arbiter, IA Swapnil Bansod will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the matches and upholding the highest standards of professionalism throughout the championship. This engagement marks his tenth participation in World Championship events, further cementing his impressive track record at major international tournaments. He previously officiated as Chief Arbiter at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix second leg 2024 in Kazakhstan and served as the match arbiter at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2024 in the USA.
This appointment signifies the increasing influence and contribution of Indian arbiters on the world stage. The FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa will not only showcase the world’s strongest players in a high-pressure knockout format but also serve as a qualifying event for the Candidates Tournament, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated chess competitions worldwide.
The Chief Arbiter for the FIDE World Cup 2025 is IA Anastasia Sorokina from Australia. This role as Deputy Chief Arbiter at the World Cup represents a proud milestone for Vidarbha and the entire Nagpur chess community.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support and encouragement he has received throughout his journey. He attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family, the local chess community in Nagpur, and the invaluable mentorship from senior arbiters across India. He also acknowledged the guidance and trust provided by the Maharashtra Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation.
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