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Al-Ahram Weekly

Russian-Egyptian showdown marks World Chess Day at Russian House in Cairo

The Russian House in Cairo hosted a friendly chess tournament bringing together Egyptian and Russian players of all ages and skill levels to celebrate World Chess Day and promote cultural exchange through strategic play. The Chess Club at the Russian House in Cairo, under the supervision of Yustina Sabry, organized a special tournament that brought together chess enthusiasts of all ages — from budding young talents to seasoned professionals — on 27 July to celebrate World Chess Day. Before the tournament, Arsenii Matiushchenko, acting director of Russian Cultural Centres in Egypt, welcomed the participants with a speech highlighting chess as a universal game that unites people across cultures and generations. He emphasized that chess is not only an intellectually stimulating game but also plays a key role in developing essential personal skills. Attendees were also shown a signed board by Russian chess legend and former World Champion Anatoly Karpov, who autographed it during a previous visit to Cairo. The tournament followed the Swiss system, which allows each participant to play several matches against opponents of similar skill levels, ensuring a balanced and engaging competition. Chessboards across the venue witnessed intense strategic battles, where tactical thinking and a passion for victory were on full display. Among the competitors were both Egyptian and Russian players, including Matiushchenko himself and Anna Khlistova, a senior specialist at the Russian Federal Agency for International Cooperation. Matches were played in a friendly and respectful atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange. Acting Director of Russian Cultural Centres Arsenii Matiushchenko with Malek Mohamed, winner of the friendly chess tournament. After the tournament, the Russian House granted certificates of recognition and valuable prizes to the winners, wrapping up a day filled with intellectual excitement and cross-cultural camaraderie. World Chess Day is celebrated annually on 20 July, a date which marks the anniversary of founding the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs or International Chess Federation) in 1924. The United Nations officially recognized the day in 2019 to promote chess as a global tool for education, inclusion, and peace. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: