The FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2024, an event that captivated global audiences and saw India`s Gukesh D etch his name into history as the youngest undisputed World Champion, has received a prestigious national honor. Hosted in the dynamic city-state of Singapore, the championship has been named the Best Sports Event of the Year (Exhibition/Competition) at the upcoming 2025 Singapore Sports Awards.
Months after the intense intellectual battles concluded on the board, the impact and success of the event continue to resonate. This accolade, presented by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Sport Singapore, represents the highest recognition for sporting excellence within the country.
The decision to honor the World Chess Championship was based on more than just the high-stakes competition itself. Organizers were commended for their world-class execution, seamless media production, and successful engagement with the local community. The championship, staged at Resorts World Sentosa with support from partners like Google, effectively showcased Singapore`s capability to host major international sporting spectacles, solidifying its position as a premier global hub.
It might seem a tad ironic that a contest primarily involving deep thought and strategic silence has managed to make such a significant splash in a nation known for dynamic, high-energy events, yet its organizational prowess clearly spoke volumes.
Adding another layer to Singapore`s success in hosting the event, local photographer Chin An Eng was awarded Sports Photo of the Year for a powerful image captured during the match. The photograph visually encapsulated the palpable tension and mirroring postures of the two finalists, offering a compelling glimpse into the psychological intensity of the game.
This dual recognition underscores the growing visibility and stature of chess on the international stage. The success of the 2024 World Championship in Singapore serves as a testament to the dedicated efforts of FIDE, the Singapore Chess Federation, local organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and the enthusiastic fanbase who contributed to making it an unforgettable event. Their combined work has elevated chess and demonstrated Singapore`s exemplary hosting capabilities.
