Panaji, Oct. 31 -- A vibrant celebration of India and Goa's rich culture -- highlighted by a dazzling light and music show portraying the Spirit and Story of Chess -- set the stage for the grand opening of the FIDE World Cup 2025 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium on Friday.

The ceremony also witnessed the World Cup trophy renamed as the Viswanathan Anand Cup -- a masterpiece forged in brass and gold-plated to last a lifetime. The trophy stands as a testament to passion, precision, and perseverance, values synonymous with India's first world chess champion and his enduring legacy, according to a press release from FIDE.

It will serve as a rolling trophy, passed on to future champions of the FIDE World Cup. The tournament, commenc...