Yes, Chess is a sport. Globally, over 100 countries officially recognize Chess as a sport. This means that the players may be considered athletes and are subject to many regulations that you would find in other sports.
However, there are also many countries that do not agree with that. Probably most notably, the UK does not identify Chess as a sport.
So let’s answer the most asked question in Chess World.
Is chess just a game? Is this a sport? Or is this a hobby? Why are questions like these even necessary?
Numerous Government grant programs and charity organizations only provide officially recognized ‘sports’ with financial assistance. It can open the door to much-needed external support for clubs and chess coaching services. The question really values if money is involved.
Let’s look, one by one, at both claims.
Why Chess is Sport?
Chess is absolutely a unique game and here are the 10 reasons why the International Olympic Committee and over 100 countries acknowledge Chess as a sport.
Chess Is Competitive
The main objective of a chess game is to win. Chess involves a continuous battle against one’s rival. There is possibly no other physical activity in which two individuals over such a long period of time are engaged in a competitive battle of such complexity. One loss in attention and instantly a strong position is changed into a failing one. Every game is a thriller in which, till the very end, the result is unpredictable. The world chess champion Magnus Carlsen stated: “chess was “definitely a sport” when interviewed recently by journalist Dominic Lawson.
Chess demands Skills
A professional chess player’s routine is every bit as intensive as a professional athlete’s. Elite chess players spend decades perfecting their skills, studying, openings, learning endgames and much more.
Physical Exertion is Required in Chess
Peak mental health involves being in good physical condition. Players have to fully focus for up to 7 hours. Blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates all rise as stress and anxiety build-up. World championship athletes also have their fitness trainers and nutritionists.
Chess players also practice sportsmanship
For bad sportsmanship, players are penalized, for example, a player can be penalized for refusing to shake hands with their rival.
Potential cheating is held accountable. There is a restriction on cell phones. Players are prohibited to leave the playing area as they pass. And an anti-doping policy exists as well.
Chess is identified as a sport
Since 2000, Chess has been accepted by the International Olympic Committee as a sport. It was an Asian Games event in 2006 in Doha and again in 2010 in Guangzhou. It is also being considered at the Pan-American Games for inclusion. Tokyo is preparing bids for the 2020 Summer Olympics and has called on Chess to apply for membership. Russia is planning to introduce Chess to the Olympics in the winter.
Chess is a mental sport
There is a mental aspect of all sports. Professional sports can generally be viewed as strategy games that differ only in their physical manifestation. Chess is a mind sport similar to Snooker and Bowling.
Chess has become universal
Around 600,000,000 people around the world play Chess. It’s growing popularity serves as a commonality between individuals of various languages, cultures, and backgrounds that makes sport-related international collaboration.
Chess has controls against doping
Like other professional sports, chess players are screened for drugs that can give them a competitive advantage in major events. It is debatable whether a player could be assisted by some medications. Chess players, instead, are much more concerned with cheating via computer assistance.
Chess is recognized in Europe
In 24 of the 28 member states of the European Union, chess is accepted as a sport. The UK, Ireland, Belgium and Sweden are exceptions. In Sweden, Chess is likely to be included from next year onwards. Help has come from the Swedish association of sports coaches that admires Chess’s mental discipline.
Chess Has a Player ranking system
In 1960, the player ranking system was established for Chess and many other sports, including American football, baseball, basketball, hockey, korfball, rugby, and golf.
Why Chess is not a Sport?
Cambridge Dictionary defines sport ‘as’ a physical effort and game, match, or task that is played or performed according to rules, for recreation and/or as a job.
Chess does not assimilate with the word ‘sport’ according to this definition, as physical exertion is not something expected by the game.
Chess is played on board while sitting down, and after 15 minutes of strategic thinking, one lifts a one-ounce chess piece across the board to make a move: so physical strength is not necessary.
Conclusion
The viewpoints of people on the subject of physical exertion differ, so what we really need is an official adjudicator.
Fortunately, this is actually what we have: the International Olympic Committee is undoubtedly the body whose opinion on such matters is most significant. Chess is, to them, considered a sport.
We have our answer to our initial question because of the physical exertion (which is certainly there, but not easily seen) and the word of the International Olympic Committee. So, Is chess a real sport? Let us hear your opinions on the question.