๐Ÿ† Inclusion of Chess in Olympics๏ƒ

Chess is oldest game known to mankind and played since ancient times. A single game of chess to play requires different qualities and skills like calculation of complex positions, concentration, decision making, pattern recognition, etc. which requires serious mental strength. In a classical game of chess which normally goes on for 5 to 7 hours drains the energy of the players. Also, chess is considered as most intellectual game. It is most played game across the globe still it is still not included in Olympics despite of the attempts made by FIDE.

One of the main reasons for non-inclusion of chess in Olympics is Chess is not recognized as sport by International Olympic Committee (IOC) before 1920 while governing body of chess which is FIDE is recognized by IOC. Chess today is recognized as sport and almost every country in the World has Chess athletes. In chess Olympiad which is totally different event from Olympics around 170 nations participate. But, after so much struggle still chess is yet to be featured in Olympics.

FIDE and different nations committee are running campaigns for inclusion of chess in 2024 Paris Olympics. Chess fans across the world are hoping that after the chess boom in 2020 the Paris Olympics can be the perfect timing of witnessing chess in Olympics. France also has good culture of chess now the decision is in the court of France that shall France be the first country to include chess.

The official notice of FIDE on Facebook posted โ€œChess becomes a candidate to join Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The official launch of the campaign took place on the 12th of February in Paris. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and French Chess Federation President Bachar Kouatly met with the French press to promote the vision of chess as a sport. Rapid and blitz are the formats of play considered for the Paris 2024 competitions. Chess is played by millions of people every day and is also growing in France, where 67% of the members of the French Chess Federation are aged under 18 years old. FIDE was created in Paris in 1924. Inclusion of chess in the Olympic program of Paris-2024 would be an outstanding symbolic gift for FIDEโ€™s 100th anniversary.โ€

Chess at the Paris Olympic Games 2024?

Chess at the Paris Olympic Games 2024? | Photo: FIDE Facebook page

After all this struggle we can assume that it is not far that we will witness chess action in Olympics. If countries with large number of chess enthusiast and serious chess environment get the chance to host Olympics in future that country can surely flex about its achievement of pushing and finally including chess in Olympics.

About the Author๏ƒ

Jashwaneel Patil is a student pursuing Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and a young mind who likes to explore and research in different areas. His vision lies in making Earth to make a better place to live with taking small steps towards sustainability and making best use of technology available to make easier life for mankind.