The cerebral battle of the World Chess Championship, often perceived as a quiet affair conducted across 64 squares, proved anything but understated in Singapore. The FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2024, a gripping contest between India`s Gukesh D and China`s Ding Liren, has received significant national recognition, being named the Best Sports Event of the Year (Exhibition/Competition) at the prestigious 2025 Singapore Sports Awards.
A Historic Match on Singaporean Soil
Held seven months ago, the championship captivated audiences globally. Across 13 tense and dynamic games, the match culminated in a historic moment: the crowning of Gukesh D as the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history at just 18 years old. The journey was described by many as a “rollercoaster,” delivering high-stakes drama that resonated well beyond the traditional chess community.
Singapore`s Hosting Excellence Recognized
The Singapore Sports Awards, jointly organized by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Sport Singapore, represent the pinnacle of national recognition for sporting achievements and events. The 2025 ceremony celebrated the standout contributions from the previous year, and the FIDE World Championship emerged as the top event in its category.
This award acknowledges more than just the elite level of play displayed by the competitors. It specifically highlights the world-class standards of organization, media production, and community engagement demonstrated throughout the event. Hosted at Resorts World Sentosa with support from Google, the championship successfully showcased Singapore`s capability to stage major international sporting spectacles, cementing its position as a key hub for such events.
Recognition at the 2025 Singapore Sports Awards.
Beyond the Board: A Winning Photograph
Adding another layer to Singapore`s success story from the championship, local photographer Chin An Eng received the Sports Photo of the Year award for a powerful image captured during the match. The photograph masterfully depicts the intense psychological pressure of the contest, showing both players in mirror-like poses, heads in hands, surrounded by national flags – a stark visual representation of the mental marathon being run.
An award-winning moment: Gukesh D and Ding Liren during the World Championship. Photo: Chin An Eng
A Testament to Chess`s Growing Stature
FIDE, alongside the Singapore Chess Federation and local partners, has expressed gratitude to everyone involved – organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and the fans – who contributed to making the championship a resounding success. This national award serves as a powerful testament to the increasing visibility and importance of chess on the global stage, proving that its quiet intensity can command attention and respect among the world`s leading sports events.
Gilbert Pendleton