World Chess Day is celebrated on July 20 every year. The date marks the day The International Chess Federation was established in Paris in 1924. 

History

On December 12, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 20 as World Chess Day. The idea to celebrate July 20 as International Chess Day was proposed by UNESCO. It has been celebrated as such since 1966. The FIDE has more than 151 chess federations as its members. 

The game of chess evolved from Chaturanga. Chaturanga is an ancient strategic game which involves four players. Chaturanga was played during the Gupta Empire in India from the early 4th century CE to the late 6th century. Chaturanga grew along the roads to Persia, the Arab regions, Byzantium and the rest of the world. The word Chaturanga eventually transformed into Shatranj. 

Modern International Chess entails two people who use chess pieces including the rooks, the bishops, the pawns, the knights, and the king and queen to win against each other. The game became famous across Europe by 1000 CE. 

Significance 

The game helps to improve intellectual capabilities and encourages patience and tolerance amongst people. It also inculcates the value of mutual respect and fairness among people. According to the UN’s website, it has an important role in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Quotes

1. Chess is the struggle against errors. – Johannes Zukertort

2. Chess is the gymnasium of the mind. – Blaise Pascal

3. There is always the risk of being over-confident when you are preparing to face a weaker player. –  Viswanathan Anand

4. Chess is a war over the board. The object is to crush the opponent’s mind. – Bobby Fischer

5. Chess helps you to concentrate, and improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve in an uncertain environment. – Garry Kasparov