Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra marked his presence at the FIDE World Cup 2025 on Monday, performing the ceremonial first move in the opening game of the final between Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi and Uzbekistan&rsquo;s Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov.
Bindra, India&rsquo;s first individual Olympic gold winner, clinching the 10m Air Rifle title at the 2008 Beijing Games, was in Goa to witness high-level chess action. 
He also played a couple of friendly games with a FIDE official.
Although he retired from competitive shooting after the Rio 2016 Olympics, Bindra continues to contribute to Indian sports through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, which aims to nurture young talent using global sports science practices.
Speaking to the media, the former world champion praised the opportunity provided to chess fans to watch top global players compete in India after 23 years. 
He also hinted at future involvement in supporting chess development, stating, &ldquo;I am quite sure that chess is just not played sitting down. It requires a bit of physical preparation&hellip; I would be happy to help them if any chess brands are interested in it.&rdquo;
In Monday&rsquo;s match, Wei Yi, playing with black pieces, held Sindarov to a draw in the first game of the final.
In the contest for third place, GM Andrey Esipenko secured a win over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev.
&mdash;IANS

Abhinav Bindra makes ceremonial chess opening move

Abhinav Bindra opens FIDE World Cup final in Goa, lauds India’s growing chess culture

Bindra Makes First Move At World Cup Final

Abhinav Bindra opens FIDE World Cup final in Goa, lauds India’s growing chess culture

November 25, 2025 | 10:58 IST