The world celebrates 20 July as International Chess Day, marking the inauguration of the World Chess Federation back in 1924. Nothing unites the world and sets into motion some of the most zealous minds that exist on the globe like chess does. We take you on a world tour into some of the leading chess countries today where both male and female champions hail from:
Kings and Queens of Chess:
- Russia: One of the countries in the chess world that really needs no introduction—resounds with the legendary figures of people like Garry Kasparov, a former World Champion. GM Ian Nepomniachtchi heads the current generation. On the women’s side, Alexandra Kosteniuk has been having a strong run, being a multiple Women’s World Chess Champion.
- India: Chess forms part of the Indian culture. Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand is almost a national hero in his country, having inspired a new wave of young players. Koneru Humpy, once Women’s World Champion, still strikes fear into hearts.
- China: This game has found phenomenal growth in popularity in the country. Ding Liren, the current World Number 2, is a natural result of Chinese strength. Hou Yifan, a chess whiz kid who became Women’s World Champion at age sixteen, is still at the top of her game.
- Armenia: This tiny country has packed quite a punch on the chessboard. So, amongst the present lot, with former World Number 2 Levon Aronian and WGM Mariya Muzychuk, a former Women’s World Champion, the story does not end there, along with an envious plethora of Armenian chess feats.
- France: It probably has the most impressive history in chess. Their standard-bearer in GM is Maxime Lagarde, while Marie Sebag, four-time Women’s French Champion, is the chess lady doing her share of the honors.
- Germany: There is a big tournament for chess, much infrastructure is available, and good conditions are created for competition and training. Richard Rapport—very strong German GM, young, fast-rising—heads the rating list. Elisabeth Pähtz, once again a multi-time German Chess Champion, is able to hold sway in women’s chess.
The list projects something of a global chess phenomenon, evincing that chess unites across the boundaries of gender and culture. From firmly established chess giants to developing nations, this International Chess Day should be marked by challenging a friend and celebrating the long-lasting legacy of the strategic masterpiece.
