Latest news with #InternationalChessDay
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Chess tournament held on moving train
Eight players from the West Midlands have taken part in what is thought to be the UK's first chess tournament on board a moving train, to mark International Chess Day. The competitors battled it out over two hours on a return journey between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent three-round event was organised by Chesscafe in Digbeth, Abdirahim Haji, said: "We hope this inspires more people to pick up the game, whether it's in a park, at a coffee shop, or even on their commute." Andrew McGill from West Midlands Railway said: "Isn't it nice to be able to engage with a fellow passenger, bring a chess board along, set it out on the table and enjoy your journey by challenging your minds?"Mr McGill said staff were used to seeing people do "all sorts of things" on trains, including reading and listening to podcasts, but this was event took place on Friday, following qualifiers at the winner was 24-year-old Paddy Mulvey, who said: "It was an interesting experience. A couple of times we went around tight corners, but I kept focus despite the lovely scenery going past."Mr Haji said: "People can socialise much easier when there's something in the middle of the table and people are interacting with it."One of the other players, Ondre, said it was good to be spending "hours playing this, rather than hours on your screen. "Interacting with a human being is always quite nice." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Young talent on board as Abu Dhabi Chess Club hosts International Chess Day Tournament
20 July 2025 23:04 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi Chess Club celebrated the annual International Chess Day, July 20, with a tournament that attracted the participation of 400 players, showing that the future of the sport looks Ahmed Al Khouri, Executive Director at the Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club, said the UAE capital has strengthened its status regionally in the world of chess through initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent and positioning the sport as an essential element of the emirate's cultural and educational a strong focus on youth talent development, the UAE capital could very well produce the next Rouda Al Serkal, the 15-year-old prodigy who made history as the first Emirati woman chess grandmaster earlier this an interview with Aletihad, Al Khouri said: "The Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club is a cornerstone of the UAE and international chess movement, given its pioneering role in organising the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, which has been held annually since 1991 and is considered one of the largest chess events in the world. "The last edition of the festival saw the participation of approximately 2,545 players from 67 different nationalities."To mark International Chess Day this year, the club hosted an international tournament at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Sunday, with over 400 players, in addition to a variety of educational activities and competitions."We are keen to celebrate International Chess Day by spreading the culture of chess and enhancing its popularity across Abu Dhabi and the UAE," Al Khouri club also serves as an important vehicle for youth development."The club attracts more than 600 members of all ages and genders. In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Ministry of Education, we visit schools across the emirate to establish chess clubs under the guidance of international coaches," he grassroots investment in talent has already borne fruit. He added: "Our players have achieved notable international accomplishments. Rouda Al Serkal won the World Chess Championship (8-year-old category) in Brazil in 2018, the World Schools Championship (9-year-old category) in Albania in 2019, the Asian Women's Amateur Chess Championship in 2023, and the Arab Women's Championship in 2024. "She was the first Emirati woman to earn the title of International Grandmaster and is now ranked among the top 100 female players in the world." Al Khouri also noted the success of Omran Al Hosani, who has been named International Master and has won numerous national and regional titles, with the club's juniors scooping six gold medals in 2024 alone."These achievements reflect the success of our strategic training approach and have significantly increased public interest in joining the club," Al Khouri its attempt to promote inclusivity, the club has also worked to grow female participation and integrate chess in schools."We recently organised the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools and Universities and are distributing a chess curriculum across schools and universities. Female membership has now surpassed male participation, leading to multiple wins in the women's category, including the UAE Women's Championship."Technology is also a cornerstone of the club's growth strategy."We operate a dedicated online platform with over 1,000 users, offering weekly tournaments and personalised training programs supervised by elite coaches. This modern environment helps players of all ages and skill levels improve continuously."Furthermore, the club is working to broaden its impact by promoting other mind sports and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a leader in strategic thinking."By 2025, we plan to add three more mind games and expand our community of enthusiasts. Chess, after all, is not just a pastime - it is a powerful tool for cognitive growth," Al Khouri emphasised. He concluded by highlighting chess's key mental benefits, such as strengthening strategic thinking, improving focus, boosting memory, as well as enhancing problem-solving skills.
India.com
2 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Happy International Chess Day: 5 Indian Maestros Who Redefined The Game From Vishy Anand To D Gukesh
photoDetails english 2934479 Updated:Jul 20, 2025, 08:18 PM IST Happy International Chess Day 1 / 8 Today, on International Chess Day, we celebrate the brilliance of the game and its finest practitioners. India has a rich history in chess, producing numerous Grandmasters who have left an indelible mark on the global stage. Join us as we honor five of India's top chess players and their remarkable achievements. Viswanathan Anand - The Pioneer 2 / 8 Viswanathan Anand, India's first Grandmaster, is a five-time World Chess Champion. He held the undisputed World Champion title from 2007 to 2013, inspiring a generation. Anand's rapid play earned him the nickname "Lightning Kid." D. Gukesh - The Youngest World Champion 3 / 8 D. Gukesh is the reigning and youngest undisputed World Chess Champion, achieving this feat at just 18 years old. He also became the youngest ever to win the Candidates Tournament in 2024. Gukesh surpassed Viswanathan Anand's 37-year record as India's top-rated player in September 2023. R. Praggnanandhaa - The Prodigy 4 / 8 R. Praggnanandhaa became a Grandmaster at 12, one of the youngest ever. He was the runner-up in the 2023 Chess World Cup and has defeated Magnus Carlsen in rapid games. Praggnanandhaa is a rising star, consistently challenging the world's elite. Koneru Humpy - The Women's Chess Queen 5 / 8 Koneru Humpy is a trailblazer, becoming the youngest female player in history to achieve the Grandmaster title in 2002. She is a two-time Women's World Rapid Chess Champion and a formidable force in women's chess. Humpy has consistently ranked among the top female players globally. Pentala Harikrishna - The Consistent Performer 6 / 8 Pentala Harikrishna became a Grandmaster in 2001 and has been a consistent top-ranked Indian player. He is a former World Junior Champion (2004) and Asian Individual Champion (2011). Harikrishna has represented India in numerous Chess Olympiads, contributing significantly to team successes. India's Growing Chess Prowess 7 / 8 These players, from the seasoned veteran to the young prodigies, showcase India's immense talent in chess. Their achievements have propelled India to become a major force in the global chess arena. They continue to inspire countless aspiring chess players across the nation. Celebrating the Game of Minds 8 / 8 On International Chess Day, we celebrate the strategic depth and intellectual challenge that chess offers. These Indian Grandmasters exemplify dedication, brilliance, and sportsmanship. May their journeys continue to inspire future generations of chess champions!
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
International Chess Day: All you need to know - date, origins, significance, 2025 theme
Every year, on July 20, the chess community comes together to celebrate the game it loves so much. International Chess Day is an occasion that is designed to both commemorate important moments in the history of chess, and continue to grow and promote the game. Here's all you need to know about International Chess Day When is International Chess Day? International Chess Day is celebrated on July 20 every year, and is sponsored by FIDE, the International Chess Federation. The date for this was selected to coincide with the day on which FIDE was founded in 1924. Happy International Chess Day! ♟️🔥 Today, we celebrate the game that connects millions across borders, languages, and generations. From casual players to world champions – chess is for everyone. ❤️# — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 20, 2025 How was International Chess Day started? The initial idea for International Chess Day came from UNESCO, and was first officially celebrated by FIDE in 1966. This was further strengthened when the United Nations General Assembly recognised the date as International Chess Day in 2019. How is International Chess Day celebrated? International Chess Day is celebrated with a theme every year, and the theme for 2025 is 'Every Move Counts.' According to FIDE, this theme 'reminds us that, on the board and in life, every decision shapes our journey.' FIDE also has a number of initiatives designed to encourage more people to play chess. Related Topics chess / FIDE
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
International Chess Day 2025: Know the significance, history, theme and objectives
International Chess Day, observed annually on July 20th, commemorates the founding of FIDE in 1924. This day highlights chess's role in fostering strategic thinking, mental development, and cross-cultural unity. Celebrations include tournaments and educational sessions, promoting chess as an inclusive activity that enhances cognitive skills and encourages global cooperation, reinforcing its significance as a 'gymnasium of the mind'. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein. More
