In a shocking turn of events, Russian chess player Amina Abakarova, 40, has been suspended by the Russian Chess Federation and could face jail time after allegedly attempting to poison her childhood rival, Umayganat Osmanova, 30, during the Dagestan Chess Championship. The incident, which occurred on August 2, was captured on security camera footage.
The footage shows Abakarova entering a room filled with chess boards 20 minutes before Osmanova was scheduled to play. She was seen pouring a substance, believed to be mercury, onto the chessboard. Shortly after, both Osmanova and one of the event organizers experienced symptoms of nausea and dizziness, requiring medical attention. Doctors later confirmed that their sickness was due to poisoning.
Abakarova, a chess coach from Makhachkala in Russia’s Dagestan region, was detained by authorities, and a police report has been filed. The incident has led to widespread condemnation, with Dagestan’s Minister of Sport, Sazhida Sazhidova, expressing deep concern over the potential consequences of Abakarova’s actions.
Despite the ordeal, Osmanova recovered and went on to secure the second prize in the tournament. She later expressed feeling “terrible, disgusting, and morally depressed” upon discovering the poisoning attempt.
Reports suggest that Abakarova’s actions were driven by personal hostility, with the intent to “knock Osmanova out of the tournament” rather than cause serious harm. The Russian Chess Federation is now considering a lifetime ban for Abakarova, who must also answer to the law for her actions.
