Russian chess official, Sergei Indeikin, has died at the age of 36 after reportedly developing a severe form of malaria following a work trip to Nigeria.

Indeikin, who served as an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation, FIDE, travelled to Abuja earlier in August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.

FIDE’s coverage of the competition confirmed his presence in Abuja, where he was listed among the officials involved in the tournament. The championship was held from August 1 to 8.

FIDE announced Indeikin’s death on August 23, describing it as the result of a “sudden illness” without publicly identifying the specific medical condition.

However, Russian business newspaper RBC, citing Indeikin’s mother, Tatiana, reported that he had contracted a severe form of malaria while on the work trip.

His mother said he was taken to hospital after returning to Perm, but his condition had already deteriorated significantly.

“It was a very rapidly progressing illness. The most severe form,” she was quoted as saying by RBC.

Source: Daily Post