Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Ties
Manish participated in the Opening Ceremony of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 and the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 held in Paphos. The prestigious tournaments have brought together some of the world’s leading chess grandmasters, with the winner set to challenge the reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju later this year.
India is proudly represented by three outstanding grandmasters: R Praggnanandhaa, one of the world’s leading young chess talents; Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women’s World Cup champion; and R Vaishali, winner of the Women’s Grand Swiss.
Credit: Michal Walusza
FIDE Candidates 2026
Their participation highlights India’s growing prominence as a global chess powerhouse and reflects the strong intellectual and cultural connections between India and Cyprus.
Credit: Michal Walusza
FIDE Candidates 2026
India’s modern chess legacy continues to draw inspiration from Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Champion and Deputy President of FIDE, who is present in Cyprus and actively engaged with the tournament.
Credit: Michal Walusza
FIDE Candidates 2026
Chess remains a timeless bridge connecting nations through strategy, discipline, and shared values. The High Commission of India in Nicosia extends its best wishes to all participants, especially the talented Indian grandmasters, for focused play and excellent performances in the tournament ahead.
