World Chess Day: A Celebration Of Strategy, Intellect, And Singapore's Best
Every year on 20 July, chess enthusiasts around the globe observe World Chess Day, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. This day marks a tribute to the game that transcends borders and cultures, promoting intellectual growth and strategic thinking. But how did this special day come to be, and why is it commemorated with such enthusiasm?
The origin of World Chess Day
World Chess Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2019. However, the celebration dates back to 1966, when it was first proposed by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to commemorate its founding on 20 July 1924 in Paris.
The proposal aimed to promote chess as a universal language of intellect and strategy, fostering cooperation and understanding among nations. The UN's recognition further solidified the importance of chess as a tool for education, conflict resolution, and cultural exchange.
FIDE 100 Guinness World Records attempt
To commemorate the centenary of World Chess Day, FIDE aims to set the Guinness World Record for the most number of chess games played in 24 hours - and you could be part of this history-making event, whether you're a grandmaster or a novice. Click here for more details.
Fun facts about chess
1. Ancient origins
Chess originated in northern India around the 6th or 7th century AD, evolving from a game called chaturanga. It spread to Persia, where it became known as shatranj before making its way to Europe and eventually the rest of the world.
2. The youngest grandmaster
Abhimanyu Mishra from the United States holds the record as the youngest Grandmaster in chess history, achieving the title at just 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days old in June 2021.
3. The longest game
The longest recorded chess game took place in Belgrade in 1989 between Ivan Nikolić and Goran Arsović. It lasted 269 moves and ended in a draw after more than 20 hours of play.
4. "Checkmate" origins
The term "checkmate" comes from the Persian phrase "Shah Mat", which means "the king is dead".
5. The first computerised chess game
The first known computer to play chess was an IBM 704, which played its first game in 1957. It wasn't until 1997 that IBM's Deep Blue defeated reigning world champion Garry Kasparov.
6. Blindfold chess
Playing chess without sight of the board, known as blindfold chess, has been around for centuries. The current record for simultaneous blindfold games is held by Timur Gareyev, who played 48 opponents in December 2016.
7. Chess Olympiad
The Chess Olympiad, organised by FIDE, is one of the largest chess competitions in the world, attracting teams from over 180 countries. The first official Olympiad took place in 1927 in London.
It's your move, Singapore!
Did you know that the Lion City also has a few home-grown chess talents?
Ashwath Kaushik
On 18 February 2024, 8-year-old Ashwath Kaushik became the youngest chess player ever to beat a chess grandmaster.
His victory came after a three-hour game at the Burgdorfer Stadthaus-Open in Switzerland, where he beat 37-year-old Polish grandmaster Jacek Stopa.
Gong Qianyun
With an impressive record of nine Singapore Women's Chess Championship titles, 39-year-old Gong Qianyun is an outstanding and dominant force in the local chess scene.
Qianyu has also represented Singapore on the international stage, clinching Singapore's first SEA Games Gold medal in Chess for the Rapid category at the 2019 SEA Games. She has continued to excel since then, securing the Silver medal in Rapid and the Bronze medal in Blitz during the 2021 SEA Games.
Siddharth Jagadeesh
After years of hard work, Siddharth Jagadeesh became Singapore's sixth and youngest chess grandmaster on 21 May 2024.
The 17-year-old had previously achieved FIDE master rank in 2019, followed by international master rank in 2022.
Tin Jingyao
24-year-old Tin Jingyao is Singapore's fifth grandmaster, and was previously the youngest before Siddharth Jagadeesh's achievement earlier this year.
At the age of 9, Jingyao made waves in the local chess circuit by participating in a simultaneous exhibition against legendary World Champion Garry Kasparov alongside 21 other individuals. He has since gone on to represent Singapore in the 2022 SEA Games, winning 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.
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