Karjakin Advocates for Comprehensive Chess Integration in Schools

Russian grandmaster **Sergey Karjakin** expressed his views on the necessity of integrating chess into the school curriculum.

«I am in favor of complete chess integration. For a long time now, efforts have been made to incorporate chess into the educational system. There are regions like Kalmykia and Ugra where this is already actively happening. Overall, Moscow is also getting involved. There’s a separate discussion to be had about whether chess should be a mandatory subject or not. Personally, I would prefer it to be compulsory. However, I am willing to offer children a minimal choice — but only between chess and checkers» *(laughs)*, Karjakin’s statements were relayed by Championship correspondent Sonya Kasatkina.

It’s important to note that Sergey Karjakin has not participated in international tournaments since 2022, stating he would only consider returning if given the opportunity to compete under his national flag.