20 July 2015

Andrey Filatov Congratulates FIDE President on International Chess Day

The International Chess Day is celebrated on July 20.

RCF President Andrey Filatov Congratulated FIDE President on International Chess Day: 

Dear Mr. Ilyumzhinov,

Allow me to congratulate you and all the fans of the world's most intellectual game on the International Chess Day. Today, chess became an integral part of the sporting and cultural life across many nations. Popularity of the game, its army of fans and the number of both amateur and professional competitions are on the uprise. You once said that your most cherished dream was to see the number of people who knew the rules of chess reach a billion. I hope most sincerely that your wish comes true. 

According to official statistics, the number of chess fans today is approximately 700 million people. I am convinced that your energy, experience, and your great passion for chess will consolidate and further boost this impressive figure. With all my heart I wish all chess players interesting games, success, good health and new achievements in your favorite game!

Andrey Filatov

President of the Russian Chess Federation

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The International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, the day FIDE was founded in 1924. It has been celebrated since 1966.