Sports have the power to change perceptions and behaviors, it breaks down racial and political barriers and helps in promoting education, sustainable development, peace, cooperation, social inclusion, and health at the local, regional and international levels. Chess is one such game that is affordable and can be exercised anywhere and played by all, across the barriers of language, age, gender, physical ability, or social status.  Every year July 20 is marked as World Chess Day as in the year 1924, the International chess federation (FIDE) was founded on this day.

World Chess Day History

The idea of celebrating the world chess day was incorporated by the United Nations and since the year 1966, it is being organized annually. On World chess Day 2020, FIDE is celebrating its 96th birthday as an organization.

World chess Day 2020 Theme: Chess for Recovering Better

 FIDE having 181 chess federations as its members organizing chess events and competitions around the world on world chess day but this year due to coronavirus pandemic, chess players, United Nations and governments officials, permanent missions to the UN, representatives of civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholders will attend and participate in a High-Level Virtual Event – “Chess for Recovering Better”.

It may have seen that people’s interest in chess is reported to have doubled in the past few months, with more players than ever coming together to participate in chess events that are being increasingly held through online platforms.

 Source of Information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-chess-day