36 Year Old Russian Chess Official Dies After Suspected Malaria Infection in Nigeria

A 36-year-old Russian chess official, Sergei Indeikin, has died after reportedly developing a severe illness believed by his family and Russian media to have been malaria contracted during a work trip to Nigeria.

Indeikin, an operational manager and delegate with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), was in Abuja in August to support 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 a result of a “sudden illness,” but the international chess body did not disclose the specific cause of death.

Russian media reports, citing Indeikin's parents and medical sources, however, said he was believed to have contracted a severe form of malaria while in Nigeria.

According to the reports, Indeikin left Abuja for Uzbekistan after the tournament. He reportedly began experiencing health problems during his journey and later travelled through Moscow to his hometown of Perm, where his condition deteriorated rapidly.

His mother, Tatiana, described the illness as extremely severe and said it progressed “very rapidly,” according to reports.

His father, Alexander, reportedly said colleagues had informed the family that malaria could have been responsible for his condition. Other Russian reports similarly suggested that Indeikin may have been infected after being bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito while in Nigeria.

He was eventually admitted to a hospital in Perm, but doctors were unable to save him.

Indeikin's death has sent shockwaves through the chess community, where he was known for his work behind major international competitions. His sudden passing came only weeks after he had travelled to Nigeria in connection with the Abuja championship.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

While reports from his family and Russian media have linked his illness to severe malaria allegedly contracted during his time in Nigeria, the exact medical cause of his death has not been independently confirmed by FIDE. The federation has so far only described his death as following a sudden illness.