World Chess Day 2026: 20 July, FIDE and UN Recognition
Why in the news
World Chess Day was observed on 20 July 2026. Days and their origins are standard questions in sports and general awareness sections.
Key facts
- Date: 20 July each year, the date FIDE was founded in 1924 in Paris.
- UN link: resolution A/RES/74/22, adopted 12 December 2019; the first UN-recognised observance was in 2020.
- Earlier history: FIDE has marked 20 July as International Chess Day since 1966, after a UNESCO proposal.
- Theme 2026: Celebrate, create and make a difference, per AffairsCloud.
- Purpose: promote chess for education, concentration, problem-solving, inclusion and international cooperation.
About FIDE and the day
The UN resolution was tabled by Armenia and co-sponsored by 52 other countries. FIDE, the world governing body of chess, was set up in Paris on 20 July 1924.
Exam angle
- Date: 20 July; founding year of FIDE: 1924, Paris.
- UN resolution: A/RES/74/22 of 12 December 2019.
- Armenia tabled the resolution.
- First UN-recognised observance: 2020.