Sergey Karjakin’s Chess Club will open in Madagascar

On 13 October, a ceremonial online signing of a Memorandum of cooperation took place between Senator of the Russian Federation and President of the Moscow Region Chess Federation Sergey Karjakin and Ilya Kontanistov, Head of the Partner Russian House in Madagascar

The document lays the foundation for developing chess infrastructure in the island nation and implementing joint cultural and sports programmes under the international project Chess Diplomacy. The central focus of the cooperation will be the upcoming opening of Sergey Karjakin’s Chess Club at the Russian House in Madagascar.
The new venue will bring together an educational platform, a base for regular tournaments, and a centre for training promising local athletes. The club will be headed by Anatoly Nante, former President of the Madagascar Chess Federation, while International Master and Madagascar Champion Randriantseheno Lala will oversee sports activities and the recruitment of chess players.

The signed document is already the second memorandum of cooperation with Madagascar: previously, a strategic agreement was concluded with the country’s national chess federation.

In his address, Sergey Karjakin congratulated Ilya Kontanistov on taking up his post and highlighted his personal contribution to bringing the two countries closer together:

“First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate Ilya Vladimirovich on his appointment as Head of the Partner Russian House in Madagascar. Representing Russian culture, our values, and traditions in such a distinctive destination is a high and responsible mission.

I am confident that your experience and energy will bring enormous benefit to the humanitarian ties between our countries. Special words of gratitude go to the African Initiative Agency, which helps deliver commemorative gifts and awards to the winners and prize-winners of our competitions. All of this clearly demonstrates that neither distance nor borders can stand in the way of chess and genuine friendship.”

Ilya Kontanistov, Head of the Russian House in Madagascar, emphasised the project’s importance for Madagascar’s youth:

“For us, it is important that the Russian House be not only a centre for cultural events, but also a place where young people gain real opportunities for development. The chess club will bring together local chess enthusiasts, support talented athletes, and strengthen cooperation with Russian specialists.”

The signed Memorandum will mark a new stage in strengthening Russian–Malagasy humanitarian and sports ties.