Chess: an ancient game that unites minds and hearts endlessly

Chess, that ancient game that has captivated millions around the world, has its special day to be celebrated: July 20th. This date, marked on the calendar as World Chess Day, is not an arbitrary choice, but has its origins in a historical event dating back almost a century. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed this commemoration in order to honor the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924, thus recognizing the importance and impact of this game in today's society. For the UN, chess represents much more than just entertainment. It is considered a game that promotes intellectual, cultural, and sporting development in individuals. Through its rules and strategies, chess stimulates logical reasoning, concentration, decision-making, and the ability to anticipate the opponent's moves. In an increasingly complex and changing world, these skills are essential to face the challenges that arise in everyday life. The resolution approved by the UN General Assembly in 2019 highlights the transformative power that sports, arts, and physical activity have in changing perceptions, prejudices, and behaviors in society. Chess, as an activity that promotes equity, inclusion, and mutual respect, becomes a valuable tool for building bridges between people of different cultures, ages, and backgrounds. The celebration of World Chess Day on July 20th not only commemorates the founding of FIDE, but also highlights the exponential growth that this game has experienced in the modern era. With over 60 million games played daily worldwide, chess has become a global sport that transcends geographical and cultural barriers. FIDE, as the governing body, has managed to affiliate 199 countries as active members, thus consolidating its international presence. The popularity of chess is not new. Since the Middle Ages, this game of strategy has fascinated kings, emperors, and nobles from different eras and regions. Monarchs like Alfonso the Wise, Ivan the Terrible, and Harun al-Rashid are said to have enjoyed chess games as a noble and stimulating pastime for the mind. There is even archaeological evidence suggesting that its predecessor, Chaturanga, was practiced in ancient India, demonstrating the antiquity and significance of this game in human history. World Chess Day is not just a date to celebrate the game itself, but also to recognize the values and benefits it brings to those who practice it. Beyond being a competition of strategy and skill, chess is a means to enhance personal development, critical thinking, and creativity. In a world that increasingly demands cognitive and emotional skills, chess emerges as a powerful tool to strengthen intellect and cultivate virtues such as patience, perseverance, and resilience. In conclusion, World Chess Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this ancient game in contemporary society. Beyond its playful and competitive dimensions, chess is an art, a science, and a sport that invites us to explore our capacity to think, plan, and anticipate. In a world constantly seeking to innovate and adapt to new challenges, chess stands as an indispensable ally to cultivate strategic thinking and creativity in present and future generations. May this July 20th, and in every celebration of World Chess Day, we honor and appreciate the richness and depth of this game that challenges minds and unites hearts in an endless match.