Now chess is back, out in the open here with a national federation to promote its interests. Officials say there are more than 100,000 active players around the country, some of them as fanatical and obsessed with the game as people anywhere else in the world. It is quite common to see quiet struggles going on in parks and cafes, as well as indoors. Young generation Many of the Iranian players are very young - there is a huge new generation of young people who are embracing the game with enthusiasm. It has already produced several young world beaters, including the reigning champion in the girls' under-12 category, Atusapourkashi.
Historians say there is textual evidence to back up Iran's claim to have invented the game.
Also, many chess terms, such as 'checkmate,' are believed to come from Farsi. Iranian chess players are thrilled that, after years of international isolation, their country is finally hosting a world chess final. For them, the game that was born here is coming home.