Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov is a prominent Russian figure, recognized as an oligarch, administrator, and politician. He served as the President of the Republic of Kalmykia within the Russian Federation from 1993 to 2010. Contemporaneously, he held the presidency of FIDE, the international governing body for chess, for an extensive period from 1995 to 2018. Ilyumzhinov is also credited with spearheading initiatives to promote chess in educational institutions both in Russia and internationally. He is the founder of the Novy Vzglyad publishing house and has been an honorary president of the former Kalmykian football club FC Uralan.

Early Life and Personal Background

Born in Elista, Kalmykia, on April 5, 1962, Ilyumzhinov's family, like the entire Kalmyk population, was subjected to deportation to Siberia in 1943. He grew up in Elista after the Kalmyks were permitted to return following Joseph Stalin's death. His early interest in chess was evident when he won the Kalmykian national chess championship at the age of 14 in 1976. After working as a mechanic and serving in the Soviet Army, he pursued higher education at the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations from 1983 to 1989. His career path included roles in sales and as President of SAN Corporation before he amassed his wealth with the rise of the private sector after the dissolution of the USSR. Ilyumzhinov has been married three times and has one son, David. He is multilingual, fluent in Kalmyk, Russian, English, and Japanese, with knowledge of Korean, Mongolian, and Chinese.

Political and FIDE Career

Ilyumzhinov's political ascent began with his election as the first president of the Republic of Kalmykia in April 1993. During his tenure, he consolidated power and was re-elected multiple times. His election platforms often included promises of economic improvements and significant promotion of chess. He famously claimed to influence people on a "subconscious level" and create an "extra-sensory field" around the republic to aid projects. Ilyumzhinov invested substantial personal funds into chess and religion, supporting the construction of various religious institutions, including Buddhist temples. He made chess a compulsory subject in Kalmykian elementary schools. His political career was marked by controversies, including accusations of resource diversion and media suppression. He also faced international scrutiny due to US sanctions imposed in 2015 for alleged dealings with the Syrian government.

As president of FIDE, Ilyumzhinov significantly influenced the organization's direction. He attracted international tournaments to Kalmykia and pursued ambitious projects like "Chess City." His leadership style and election victories were sometimes met with accusations of corruption and irregularities, particularly in later years. He was re-elected multiple times, defeating challengers such as Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov, before ultimately stepping down from the FIDE presidency in October 2018 after being sanctioned by the FIDE ethics commission.

Extraterrestrial Claims

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov gained international attention for his extraordinary claims of extraterrestrial encounters. In September 1997, he stated that he was taken from his apartment by aliens and transported in their spaceship to another planet. He reported that his staff could not locate him during this time and that he reappeared in his bedroom an hour later. These accounts have been documented and are a subject of continued public interest.

Publications and Mentions

Ilyumzhinov authored an autobiography titled "The President's Crown of Thorns," which delves into his life and experiences, including his rise to power and challenges faced. His life and career have also been the subject of several books and articles, including works that explore his political tenure in Kalmykia, his involvement in the chess world, and his unique personal narratives.