INTERNATIONAL CHESS DAY
International Chess Day is annually celebrated on 20 July, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in 1924. International Chess Day is celebrated every year; the reason behind its celebration is to commemorate the formation of FIDE, the globally recognized governing body of chess. The idea to celebrate the International Day of Chess was first proposed by UNESCO, and it has been celebrated as such since 1966[1] after it was established by FIDE. In 2013, International Chess Day was celebrated in 178 countries according to Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the then President of FIDE.
Each year on July 20, the global chess community unites to celebrate International Chess Day, commemorating the founding of FIDE in 1924. Last year marked a historic milestone – FIDE’s centennial anniversary, which celebrated a century of chess while laying the foundation for the next hundred years. Among the key legacies of that celebration is FIDE’s renewed commitment to long-term goals: from global expansion and accessibility to deepening chess’s social impact.
This year, FIDE launched the Year of Social Chess, an initiative dedicated to using the game as a tool for inclusion, education, empowerment, and mental well-being. The theme for International Chess Day 2025, “Every Move Counts”, reminds us that, on the board and in life, every decision shapes our journey.
In 2024, to commemorate the centenary, the global chess community set a Guinness World Record for the most chess games played in 24 hours: over 7.28 million games played across more than 350 events worldwide. In 2025, they aim to carry this momentum forward with global celebrations, inclusive events, and creative storytelling that highlights the power of chess to bring people together.
This day was conducted by physical science department during the morning assembly by delivering a speech on the history and importance of this day.
