Vladimir Kramnik Opened a Chess Club in Kuban State University

The 14th World Champion also spoke to students. 

The realization of the Chess in Universities programme has started with the opening of a chess club in Kuban State University. The club is named after Vladimir Kramnik. The 14th World Champion himself, Rector of Kuban State University Mikhail Astapov, and the President of the Krasnodar Krai Chess Federation Vladimir Smetana took part in the opening ceremony. 

Before the chess club’s opening, Vladimir Kramnik answered the questions of about 200 students. Chess lovers from different faculties were interested in Kramnik’s way from the beginning to the Champion’s title; they were asking about his first game, and the most significant and influential chess player for him. They also wondered which books he likes to read in a free time, whether he is going to enter politics after finishing his chess career, and how much chess can help the Russian football. 

Vladimir Smetana put forth an idea to hold a tournament with the Moscow State University, where Sergey Karjain’s school has been functioning since 2015. Vladimir Kramnik backed up this idea and promised to discuss it with Karjakin. 

During the opening ceremony, Kramnik answered many questions as well and promised to visit the сlub when in Krasnodar. It was also decided that his brother Evgeny Kramnik, City Councillor of Tuapse, will be the honorary director of the club. 

After the opening, Vladimir Kramnik met with very young chess players from the Krasnodar Youth Sports School №7. He answered their questions, and took part in autograph- and photo sessions.  

Press Service of the Krasnodar Krai Chess Federation