International Chess Day 2025: Every year on July 20, the world observes International Chess Day to honour the establishment of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) in 1924 in Paris. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2019, emphasising chess as a tool that promotes education, equality, and international cooperation.
Chess, with its roots dating back over 1,500 years to northern India—where it was originally called Chaturanga—has evolved into a global sport played by over 605 million people worldwide. It transcends language and borders, teaching valuable life skills like strategy, patience, resilience, and decision-making under pressure.
Notably, India has seen a major chess boom in recent years. The country now boasts over 80 grandmasters, with Delhi-NCR alone home to several prominent academies and rising stars. The surge in online platforms such as Chess.com and Lichess has made chess more accessible than ever before.
International Chess Day is not just a celebration—it’s a reminder of how a simple 64-square board can connect minds across the globe and nurture young talent in every corner, including the bustling streets and quiet libraries of Delhi.
In Delhi-NCR, chess is more than just a game—it’s a quiet yet intense community movement that thrives in academies, parks, schools, and even cafés. Here’s a curated list of five real places you can explore this International Chess Day.
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Delhi Chess Association – Ludlow Castle Sports Complex, Civil Lines
The epicentre of competitive chess in the Capital.
Founded in 1986, the Delhi Chess Association (DCA) is the official governing body for chess in Delhi and is affiliated with the All IndiaChess Federation. Located at Ludlow Castle, the venue regularly hosts FIDE-rated tournaments, coaching camps, and chess training for all levels. Every year on International Chess Day, DCA opens its doors to the public with simultaneous displays, workshops by titled players, and interactive play sessions. It’s the go-to place if you’re looking to witness the serious strategic side of the sport.
South Delhi Chess Academy – Kalkaji
Structured coaching with a friendly neighbourhood touch.
South Delhi Chess Academy (SDCA) is one of the most consistent chess training hubs in south Delhi, known for its child-friendly coaching programmes, certified trainers, and a focus on academic development through chess. Founded by experienced chess professionals, the academy nurtures young minds with a scientific approach—using puzzles, digital tools, and live play to build focus and patience. On International Chess Day, the academy usually conducts parents vs kids tournaments, public blitz events, and hands-on demonstrations for beginners.
Genius Chess Academy – Chittaranjan Park
Where future masters are being trained today.
Located in the heart of CR Park, Genius Chess Academy has earned a reputation for grooming students who have gone on to become FIDE-rated players, National Champions, and even International Masters. The curriculum here combines psychological training, opening theory, tactical awareness, and regular tournament practice. On International Chess Day, the academy opens up to the public with open-day blitz tournaments, simultaneous games against top students, and interactive lectures on chess history and strategy.
MindChampions Academy – School Network across Delhi-NCR
A pan-India movement that started with GM Viswanathan Anand.
Founded in 2002 by five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand, MindChampions Academy is integrated into multiple Delhi-NCR schools through a partnership with NIIT. The idea is simple: introduce chess to students at an early age to sharpen memory, logic, and decision-making. On July 20, many of these schools host chess carnivals, teacher-student face-offs, and fun tutorials using animated chess boards. It’s an ideal way for families to bring the game home, even for those new to chess.
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Weekend Meetups: Chess Par Charcha – Lodhi Garden & Majnu Ka Tila
Delhi’s casual chess culture lives on in its gardens and cafés.
Not all chess is played under fluorescent lights and digital clocks. A growing number of young and old chess lovers gather informally in places like Lodhi Garden, Majnu Ka Tila, and even Connaught Place’s Central Park. These weekend clubs—often coordinated through WhatsApp or Reddit forums like “Chess Par Charcha”—set up portable boards and invite anyone to join. Some even hold impromptu blitz contests or themed events (like playing blindfolded or with time handicaps). It’s a welcoming space for newcomers, travellers, or families wanting to play outdoors in Delhi’s green zones.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re drawn to the mathematical beauty of chess or the meditative silence it offers, Delhi-NCR has a space for every kind of player. This International Chess Day, take a break from scrolling and find a board. Join a workshop, play under a tree, or challenge a friend—it might just become your new favourite ritual.
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