R. Vaishali who made history by winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 being welcomed at the Chennai airport. All India Chess Federation Head of Operations A.K. Verma is also seen. | Photo Credit: M. Srinath The All India Chess Federation (AICF) will bid to host the upcoming World Championship matches in India, said Head of Operations A.K. Verma on Sunday (April 19, 2026), expressing confidence now that two Indians are set to contest — reigning champion D. Gukesh in the open section and challenger R. Vaishali in the women’s section. “Of course, we will try to bring it to India. We will be doing the bidding. We are very happy and proud that two Indians, in both categories, are going to fight for the World Championships. Chess is booming in India, and we are lucky that both Gukesh and Vaishali will be playing. It really is amazing and gives immense pleasure to all chess players, chess lovers, and all Indians,” he said before receiving Vaishali at the Chennai airport. Published – April 19, 2026 02:59 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Jana Sena Party eyes expansion in Kerala Chhattisgarh Vedanta power plant blast: Death toll rises to 24