Chess is more than just a game. It’s a life skill, a quiet confidence builder, and for many kids—it’s the first time they realize how powerful their minds really are.
July 20 is International Chess Day, and there’s no better time to introduce your child to the board that teaches focus, patience, and strategy — all while having fun.
👑 A Quick Look at the History of Chess Day
The game of chess traces its roots back over 1,500 years to India’s ancient game, Chaturanga1, which evolved into modern-day chess. Today, it’s played by over 600 million people worldwide.
International Chess Day marks the founding of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) on July 20, 1924, in Paris. Since 1966, this day has been observed globally, and in 2019, the United Nations officially recognized it as a day that promotes peace, development, and education through chess.
Why Chess Is Fantastic for Kids?
Research shows that playing chess can:
- Boost memory, attention, and problem-solving
- Improve patience and decision-making
- Enhance creativity and emotional intelligence
- Teach how to win with humility and lose with grace
In short: it prepares kids for life, not just for winning a game.
Meet the New Generation of Chess Kids
India has become a powerhouse in youth chess, producing names like:
- R Praggnanandhaa 2– Grandmaster at just 12 years old
- Divya Deshmukh3 – India’s youngest Woman Grandmaster
- Gukesh D4 – Youngest Indian to reach a FIDE rating of 2750+
Their journeys began at home, with encouragement from parents and exposure to the game early on.
How to Introduce Your Child to Chess?
- Start with Story
Share how chess came from India—it gives them pride and curiosity. - Play Together
Use a basic board or even a mobile chess app (like ChessKid) and play slow games together. - Make It a Ritual
One chess game every Sunday? A perfect screen-free habit. - Use Visuals & Challenges
Print out puzzles or set up “checkmate in 2 moves” as a fun brain teaser. - Join a Local Club or Online League
Many schools and communities offer beginner-level classes or tournaments.
Fuel for Their Next Move — With Mealhey
Like chess, healthy eating builds sharper minds and stronger bodies. It’s hard to concentrate on the board when you’re hungry—or worse, filled with junk.
That’s where Mealhey helps. We deliver balanced, home-style school lunches crafted to support kids’ growing brains and active bodies. No preservatives, no stress—just warm meals and peace of mind.
Whether they’re working through homework or lining up their next checkmate, your child deserves the kind of food that supports every move that counts.
👉 Ready to simplify school days and support your child’s well-being?
Join The Mealhey Club today.
Happy International Chess Day!
Make your next move meaningful—on the board and at the table.
#MealheyJournal #ChessDay #HealthyLunchesHappyKids #EveryMoveCounts #MealheyClub #SmartKidsSmartMeals #ChessAndChildren #IndiaLovesChess #TheMealheyWay
- Chaturanga (Sanskrit for “four divisions of the army”) is an ancient Indian board game from the 6th century, widely regarded as the earliest precursor to modern chess. Played on an 8×8 board, it featured pieces representing infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots—later evolving through Persian Shatranj into the chess we know today. ↩︎
- R Praggnanandhaa (born 2005) is a chess grandmaster from Chennai, India, and one of the youngest to achieve the title at age 12. He has since become India’s top-ranked player, known for defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen in multiple formats and winning major international tournaments, including the Tata Steel Masters and the Superbet Chess Classic in 2025. ↩︎
- Divya Deshmukh (born December 9, 2005, in Nagpur) is an Indian chess International Master (2023) and Woman Grandmaster (2021), reigning FIDE World Junior Girls’ Champion (2024). A key member of India’s gold-winning team at the 45th Chess Olympiad, she’s also a three-time Olympiad gold-medalist. Ranked among the world’s top 20 women (FIDE ~2463, July 2025), she’s known for major upsets—including victories over Zhu Jiner at the Women’s World Cup and over former world no. 1 Hou Yifan in the 2025 World Rapid & Blitz Team Champs—and a collection of continental and national titles. ↩︎
- D Gukesh (Dommaraju Gukesh; born 29 May 2006 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu) is an Indian chess grandmaster who became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in December 2024 at age 18. A prodigy, he earned his GM title at 12 and became the youngest to cross 2750 Elo. In April 2024, he won the Candidates Tournament (youngest-ever challenger), then dethroned Ding Liren in Singapore to claim the world crown. By March 2025 he was ranked world no. 3 with a peak rating of 2794, and he continues to excel in elite rapid and blitz events. ↩︎
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