Hello People!
Do you know Chess is also known as the “Game of Kings” as earlier it was only played by the Nobel and Kings. Chess is an ancient game that combines scientific reasoning, athletics and artistic components. It helps in developing strategy skills, tactics as well as visual memory.
Sports have always aided humanity in surviving crises by enhancing mental health and lowering anxiety.
In today’s blog we will be discussing World Chess Day which is celebrated every year on 20 July. We will talk about the background, the date, top rated Indian Chess players and other important facts related to this day.
Origin
Chess originated in India during the Gupta period. It was then known as “chaturanga”. Later it spread to Persia and then Southern Europe. It was named chatrang when it originated and later became Shatranj when it arrived in South Persia around 600 CE.
Background
The United Nations World Chess Day is marked across the globe on 20th July. The day highlights the role of the World Chess Federation or International Chess Federation (FIDE). FIDE plays an important role towards international cooperation for chess activity and improving harmony among people worldwide. This day also highlights the importance of chess in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why 20 July?
On 20 July, 1924 the eight Summer Olympic Games were held in Paris, France, on this day the World Chess Federation was established. International Chess Day was started on 20 July, 1966 to honour the founding of FIDE. Also, this year’s chess day marks the 97th anniversary of FIDE.
The first modern chess tournament was held in London in 1851. It was won by German Adolf Anderssen.
Chess Grandmasters in India
According to FIDE there are a total of 67 Chess Grandmasters in India. Viswanathan Anand is the first Grandmaster from India. Leon Mendonca is the latest and 67th Chess grandmaster from India. Gukesh D is India’s youngest GM of 12 year, 7 months and 17 days. He succeeded Praggnanadhaa who held the record at an age of 12 years and 10 months in June 2018.
Important Takeaway for exams
World Chess Federation (FIDE)
Founded 20 July 1924, Paris, France
Headquarters- Lausanne, Switzerland
CEO – Geoffrey D.Borg
With this we come to the end of this blog. We covered the major points about World Chess Day in the blog. Hope it is an interesting read for you all.
Stay tuned for more such blogs.
