44th FIDE Chess Olympiad, Chennai

Origins of Chess in India

Chess, one of the world’s most ancient, intellectual, and cognitive games, is a unique blend of sport, science, and art. The game, which Voltaire once described as the one that “reflects most honour on human wit,” has its roots in ancient India.

Its earliest known form was Chaturanga, dating back to the 5th century AD. The Sanskrit word Chaturanga means “four arms” or “four members,” symbolizing the four components of an army—infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots.

Journey Across Civilizations

• In the 5th century, Chaturanga spread from India to Persia, and later the Arabs adopted it.
• By the 10th century, the game reached Europe, evolving over centuries into its present form.
• By the 17th century, modern chess rules and piece designs emerged.
• By the 20th century, chess had become a truly global phenomenon.

The Birth of FIDE

The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) was established on 20 July 1924 in Paris during the first unofficial Chess Olympiad. This date is now celebrated worldwide as International Chess Day.

FIDE was later recognized as a Global Sporting Organization by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. Today, FIDE has a vast presence with 200 member countries, 10 million registered players, and over 5000 tournaments annually.

Chess Olympiads and Global Recognition

• The first official Chess Olympiad was organized by FIDE in London in 1927 with 15 nations.
• The second official Olympiad followed in Netherlands (1928).
• Since 1950, Chess Olympiads have been held every two years, showcasing the best talents worldwide.

India and the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay

In 2022, FIDE introduced a new tradition—the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay, beginning from India, the birthplace of chess.

On May 19, 2022, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever Chess Olympiad Torch Relay in New Delhi. The torch is now a permanent tradition, beginning from India and traveling to the host country of each Olympiad.

The 44th Chess Olympiad, Chennai 2022

The 44th International Chess Olympiad was hosted at Mahabalipuram (Chennai), India, from 28 July to 10 August 2022.

• Participation from over 180 countries.
• Inclusion of Super Grandmasters, World Champions, and top-rated players.
• One of the largest gatherings of chess players in history.

The Olympiad infused new enthusiasm among young Indians, reaffirming India’s position as the cradle of chess.

Significance of Chess

Chess is much more than a game. It:

• Enhances brain function and memory
• Improves strategic and logical thinking
• Develops focus and concentration
• Encourages discipline and creativity

Commemorative Postage Stamp

To honor the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad and recognize FIDE’s contribution to promoting chess worldwide, the Department of Posts issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp. This stamp celebrates chess not only as a sport but as a cultural treasure of India and a symbol of intellectual brilliance.