The fifth leg of the 2024–25 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix kicked off this evening in the lush gardens of Amanora The Fern Hotel in Pune, India. Organized jointly by the Maharashtra Chess Association and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament runs from April 14 to 23 and is one of six events that will determine the two players who qualify for the Women’s Candidates Tournament.
The opening ceremony began at 7:45 PM on a magnificent stage constructed specially for the event. Surrounding the ceremony, the preparations for a three-day Indian wedding added a notable sensation of joy and harmony to the event.
The lively master of ceremonies, Chaitanya J. Rathi, opened the event a wonderful introduction, highlighting Pune’s status as a hub of Indian sports, notably in chess and badminton. He praised the recent successes of India’s top players and extended heartfelt thanks to the event’s sponsors.
Immediately afterwards, he invited the President of the All Indian Chess Federation, Nitin Narang, to the stage, as well as all the other dignitaries and sponsors.
Soon afterwards, he invited Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation, along with other dignitaries and sponsors, to the stage. After receiving traditional Pune flower bouquets, they performed the lamp-lighting ceremony—a fixture in many Indian households. The diya’s warm, glowing flame symbolizes enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom.
The ceremony continued with traditional Indian dances and a video tribute to Lord Ganesha, the revered Hindu deity known as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, good fortune, and new beginnings.
The chairperson of the organizing committee, Parineeta Fuke, then took the stage. In a moving speech, she confirmed that “this event is a celebration of skill and strategy, but also a shining example of sporting excellence.”
Praising all of the players, she continued: “We are proud of four of the finest Indian players competing here. You are an inspiration to countless young girls around the country.” Amidst the applauses, the attendants were treated an amazing inspirational video prepared by the Maharashtra Chess Federation, which included a screen presentation of all the players.
The chief arbiter, Ivan Syrovy, representing FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, welcomed all the participants to the penultimate leg of the WGP cycle, and expressed his deep gratefulness to the Indian hosts for their warm welcome.
Then it was time for the second stage act – Team Kalayan performed a classical Indian dance with fusion inspired by the game of chess, in which the audience had to decided which pieces were on display.
The night’s highlight followed: the ten participating players were welcomed on stage, each receiving mementos, flowers, and the iconic Puneri Pagdi, a traditional hat symbolizing honor and pride.
Nitin Narang, AICF President, reminded everybody: “The queens have always ruled the board – we celebrate today the power, creativity and brilliance of women in chess, here in India, the birthplace of the game.”
The event concluded with the ceremonial first move, performed collectively by the players and dignitaries, followed by the national anthems of FIDE and India.
The first round is scheduled for April 14, at 3:00 PM local time.
Round 1 pairings:
Munguntuul Batkhuyag – Salome Melia
Zhu Jiner – Dronavalli Harika
Kashlinskaya Alina – Shuvalova Polina
Salimova Nurgyul – Divya Deshmukh
Vaishali Rameshbabu – Koneru Humpy
Written by Michael Rahal
Official website: womengrandprix.fide.com/
