Definitions can fall into false dilemma
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_dilemmaHere's some ideas:
- Let non chess people know how physically demanding it is to play chess. They probably think it is not physically demanding. Funny how not thinking it is requires the argument to include that the brain is not a physical object! Of course, the argument then has to backpedal and say something like "I mean physically demanding to other parts of the body than the brain."
And the response is simply that the brain affects the rest of the body. Sitting long periods of time thinking requires more than having your brain fit!
- Change the way you think about chess. So people don't want to include it as a sport. Ok. Why care about that? You know it requires you to be physically fit. Exercise. Eat well. etc. Call yourself a "mental athlete".
- Order yourself some chess gear. A tie, printed T-shirt, pin, etc.