Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin has died at 36 after reportedly developing a severe form of malaria following a work trip to Nigeria.
Indeikin, an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), travelled to Abuja in early August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, held from August 1 to 8.
FIDE confirmed his death on August 23, describing it as the result of a “sudden illness” but did not disclose a specific medical cause.
Russian media outlets, including Argumenty i Fakty (AIF), Izvestia and Lenta.ru, later reported that Indeikin’s family believed he contracted severe malaria during his stay in Nigeria.
According to AIF, his father, Alexander, said Indeikin travelled from Abuja to Uzbekistan, where he began feeling unwell before returning to Russia. His condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly after he travelled to Perm to stay with his mother.
He was eventually hospitalised, but doctors were unable to save him.
His mother, Tatiana, told Izvestia that her son’s illness progressed rapidly and was diagnosed as a severe form of malaria.
“He had a very rapid-onset illness. The most severe form,” she was quoted as saying.
AIF also reported that Indeikin had been vaccinated before travelling to Nigeria, although his father said he understood the vaccination could reduce the risk without offering complete protection.
Medical expert Professor Alexander Lukashev explained that malaria can be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito in Nigeria and other tropical regions. Some Russian reports claimed Indeikin was bitten by a mosquito while attending the Abuja tournament, although this has not been independently established.
FIDE described Indeikin as a valued member of its operations team who had worked on major international competitions, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates Tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
He joined FIDE events operations in 2021 and travelled extensively to support the organisation of major chess competitions.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
However, the reported link between Indeikin’s death and malaria contracted in Nigeria has not been independently confirmed by FIDE. The federation has officially cited only a sudden illness as the cause of death.
Afronews.org is making efforts to obtain further comment from the Nigeria Chess Federation.
FIDE — World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Championship coverage
Confirms Sergei Indeikin’s presence in Abuja as a FIDE delegate during the tournament. �
The Punch — Russian chess official dies after suspected malaria following Nigeria trip
Provides details on the reported malaria connection and his trip to Nigeria. �
The New Voice of Ukraine — FIDE manager reportedly dies after mosquito bite in Nigeria
Reports the Russian media claims that Indeikin contracted malaria following a suspected mosquito bite in Nigeria. �
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