Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion and prominent Russian opposition figure, voiced his support for Magnus Carlsen’s recent statement advocating for the continuation of sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian chess federations. On September 20, Kasparov took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his agreement with Carlsen, underscoring the importance of maintaining these sanctions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In his post, Kasparov added a Ukrainian flag, reinforcing his solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times. He praised Carlsen as a remarkable successor in the chess world, highlighting that his character is as commendable as his skills on the board. “Indeed I would, and do! In more ways than one, I could hardly wish for a better successor than Magnus,” Kasparov stated, emphasizing the dual achievement of being both a great player and a person of integrity.
This alignment between two of chess’s greatest minds signals a strong stance against the use of the sport for political purposes and highlights the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. As the chess community grapples with these issues, the voices of leaders like Kasparov and Carlsen remain crucial in advocating for principles of fairness and justice in the game.
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