13-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Shines at Russia's Victory Cup Tournament
The second international 'Victory Cup' chess tournament recently took place in Khabarovsk, Russia. Among the highlights was 13-year-old Daniil Kaminsky’s outstanding performance, securing two gold and two silver medals at the World Youth Chess Championship. The event drew nearly 100 participants from Russia, Belarus, China, and Mongolia. Renowned grandmasters Sergei Shipov, Dmitry Kryakvin, and Dmitry Hegai attended as guests of honour.
Governor Dmitry Demeshin addressed the gathering, linking chess to national identity. He described the game as a reflection of a people’s character and spirit. Demeshin also marked the 81st anniversary of Victory Day and announced 2026 as the Year of National Unity in Russia. During the ceremony, the governor presented Daniil Kaminsky with a letter of appreciation. Chess remains widely popular in the region, with over 25,000 residents of Khabarovsk Krai actively playing the game. Historical records show that even during the Great Patriotic War, tournaments resumed in besieged cities like Leningrad and Moscow.
Kaminsky’s achievements and the tournament’s success highlight the region’s strong chess culture. The event reinforced ties between participants from multiple countries while honouring historical resilience through the game.
