World Chess Day Highlights Sport’s Benefits as It Is Banned in Afghanistan

World Chess Day celebrates chess’s global benefits in education, peace, and inclusion, while the game remains banned in Afghanistan, risking its cultural loss.

On July 20, the United Nations celebrated World Chess Day, highlighting chess as a powerful tool for education, sustainable development, peace, and social inclusion globally.

In a statement, the UN emphasized that sports, including chess, can transform perceptions, challenge prejudice, inspire people, break down racial and political barriers, combat discrimination, and reduce conflicts.

Chess, one of the world’s oldest intellectual games, combines elements of sport, science, and art. It is affordable and accessible, allowing people of all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds to participate without language or cultural barriers.

The UN also noted that chess promotes fairness, inclusivity, and mutual respect, fostering tolerance and understanding among individuals and nations worldwide.

However, while the world celebrates chess, Afghanistan faces a troubling setback. Sources from Afghanistan’s national chess federation revealed that the Taliban has banned the game across the country.

Taliban spokesperson Atl Muswani explained that the ban was implemented “for religious reasons” and due to leadership issues within the federation. Since the Taliban’s return to power, the chess federation’s activities have been suspended indefinitely.

Afghanistan chess officials confirm that the federation remains inactive, with no permission granted to resume operations. Deputy head Wais warned that the ongoing ban threatens to eliminate chess entirely from Afghanistan’s sports and cultural scene.

This stark contrast between the global embrace of chess and its suppression in Afghanistan highlights the challenges faced when ideological restrictions prevent people from engaging in peaceful, intellectual activities.

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