Officials Say FIDE World Cup 2025 Is Driving Tourism And Strengthening Goa’s Sports Infrastructure

Goa is aggressively positioning itself as India’s premier sports-tourism hub with the ongoing FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, which began on October 30 and concludes on November 27 in North Goa, serving as the latest showcase of the state’s growing infrastructure and hospitality prowess. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who attended the high-profile chess tournament featuring 103 players from 52 countries, declared that major sporting events not only drive tourism revenue but also inspire youth and strengthen India’s sporting culture. “The Government of Goa will continue to support and encourage international and national sporting events like this,” Sawant said, highlighting the state’s readiness to host global competitions year-round.

The coastal state has rapidly built a reputation as a preferred venue for marquee events, having successfully organised the National Games 2023, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Goa Challenge, the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, and annual Indian Super League (ISL) football matches at Fatorda Stadium. Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the need to diversify beyond beaches, stating that sports tourism is a natural extension of Goa’s eco and heritage offerings. “When we speak about expanding the concept of tourism, opportunities like sports tourism are always welcome,” he told reporters, noting that such events attract high-spending international visitors during the shoulder season.

Industry stakeholders hailed the ripple effect on hospitality and ancillary services. Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Jack Sukhija said events like the FIDE World Cup significantly boost footfall and urged sustained investment in sports infrastructure maintenance. Official data released this month shows domestic arrivals rose 5.36 per cent to 72.96 lakh in 2025, while international arrivals surged 29.33 per cent to 3.36 lakh, with tourism contributing 16.43 per cent to Goa’s GDP and supporting 40–45 per cent of direct and indirect employment.

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The FIDE Women’s World Cup, featuring top grandmasters competing for a $750,000 prize pool and eight spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, has filled hotels in North Goa and generated buzz beyond traditional sun-and-sand visitors. Local businesses report increased bookings from chess enthusiasts, journalists, and families of players, many extending stays to explore the state’s beaches and heritage sites.

With the state government fast-tracking new indoor stadiums, upgraded athletic tracks, and improved connectivity through the Mopa International Airport, Goa is pitching itself as a year-round sporting destination. Officials say the success of the current chess extravaganza strengthens their bid for future global events, including potential Olympics qualifiers and Asian-level championships, as the state seeks to blend its leisure appeal with a vibrant sports calendar.

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