Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin has died at the age of 36. Reportedly, he developed a severe form of malaria following a work trip to Nigeria.
According to Punch, Indeikin served as an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation. He travelled to Abuja earlier in August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.
Indeikin falls ill after Abuja trip
The championship was held in Abuja from August 1 to 8. FIDE’s official coverage confirmed Indeikin was among the federation officials present at the competition.
After leaving Nigeria, Indeikin travelled to Uzbekistan, where he reportedly began experiencing health problems.
His father, Alexander, told Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty that information provided by his son’s FIDE colleagues suggested his symptoms were consistent with malaria.
Indeikin later travelled through Moscow to Perm, where his condition deteriorated.
An ambulance was called and he was admitted to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.
Mother describes severe illness
Russian business newspaper RBC, citing Indeikin’s mother, Tatiana, reported that he had developed a severe form of malaria following the work trip.
She described the illness as rapidly progressing. She also said his condition had already become serious by the time he was hospitalised.
“It was a very rapidly progressing illness. The most severe form,” she said.
Several Russian media outlets subsequently reported that Indeikin was believed to have been bitten by an infected mosquito during his stay in Nigeria.
Malaria is transmitted to humans through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
FIDE confirms death, not malaria cause
The International Chess Federation announced Indeikin’s death on August 23 but stopped short of identifying malaria as the official cause.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Operational Manager, following a sudden illness,” the federation said.
FIDE has therefore not independently confirmed claims that malaria contracted in Nigeria was responsible for his death.
The link to malaria and Nigeria has so far come from Indeikin’s relatives, colleagues and reports in Russian media.
FIDE mourns long-serving official
Indeikin began working at FIDE events in 2021 and became an important member of the federation’s operations team.
During his five years with the organisation, he worked behind the scenes at major competitions. These included World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates Tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
FIDE said he travelled extensively to ensure tournaments were organised professionally and according to federation standards.
The organisation also remembered him for his generosity. They noted that he supported an orphanage and often brought chess memorabilia and gifts for children from places he visited.
Indeikin is survived by his wife and young daughter.
