In a shocking development at the Dagestan Chess Championship, an alleged poisoning attempt has marred the prestigious event. Amina Abakarova, a seasoned chess coach from Makhachkala, stands accused of spilling mercury near her opponent's chessboard in an attempt to undermine her performance. The incident, which has sent ripples through the chess community, occurred on August 2 and was initially brought to light by a local Telegram channel.
The controversy began when Abakarova reportedly approached Umayganat Osmanova's table 20 minutes before their scheduled match and inquired about the operational status of nearby security cameras. After learning they were inactive, she allegedly proceeded to spill the contents of a thermometer close to Osmanova's playing area. The latter started exhibiting symptoms of distress — including nausea and dizziness — shortly after the match commenced, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Medical professionals attending to Osmanova suggested poisoning as the likely cause of her sudden illness.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage that captured the incident, tournament officials promptly involved law enforcement, resulting in Abakarova's detention. In recounting her ordeal, Osmanova expressed how she felt both physically unwell and morally devastated by the experience. She also highlighted that another participant and an organizer exhibited similar symptoms, suggesting a wider exposure to the hazardous substance.
Investigations into Abakarova's motives have unveiled a backdrop of personal animosity towards Osmanova, with reports indicating that Abakarova intended merely to intimidate her counterpart rather than inflict serious harm. Nevertheless, this alarming act has prompted severe repercussions for Abakarova; she faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
The Russian Chess Federation has taken swift action in response to these events by suspending Abakarova from all sanctioned tournaments within Russia pending further investigation and contemplating a lifetime ban from competitive play.
Sazhida Sazhidova, Dagestan’s Minister for Sports, expressed bewildered concern over Abakarova’s drastic measures which risked not only her career but also the safety of participants and spectators alike. Meanwhile, despite her unsettling experience, Osmanova demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing with the championship and securing second place—a testament to her dedication and mental fortitude amidst adversity.
As this unprecedented incident unfolds further inquiries are underway to determine its full impact on both the victims involved and the broader chess community while ensuring such disturbing acts are unequivocally addressed within Russia’s sporting domains.
The controversy began when Abakarova reportedly approached Umayganat Osmanova's table 20 minutes before their scheduled match and inquired about the operational status of nearby security cameras. After learning they were inactive, she allegedly proceeded to spill the contents of a thermometer close to Osmanova's playing area. The latter started exhibiting symptoms of distress — including nausea and dizziness — shortly after the match commenced, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Medical professionals attending to Osmanova suggested poisoning as the likely cause of her sudden illness.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage that captured the incident, tournament officials promptly involved law enforcement, resulting in Abakarova's detention. In recounting her ordeal, Osmanova expressed how she felt both physically unwell and morally devastated by the experience. She also highlighted that another participant and an organizer exhibited similar symptoms, suggesting a wider exposure to the hazardous substance.
Investigations into Abakarova's motives have unveiled a backdrop of personal animosity towards Osmanova, with reports indicating that Abakarova intended merely to intimidate her counterpart rather than inflict serious harm. Nevertheless, this alarming act has prompted severe repercussions for Abakarova; she faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
The Russian Chess Federation has taken swift action in response to these events by suspending Abakarova from all sanctioned tournaments within Russia pending further investigation and contemplating a lifetime ban from competitive play.
Sazhida Sazhidova, Dagestan’s Minister for Sports, expressed bewildered concern over Abakarova’s drastic measures which risked not only her career but also the safety of participants and spectators alike. Meanwhile, despite her unsettling experience, Osmanova demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing with the championship and securing second place—a testament to her dedication and mental fortitude amidst adversity.
As this unprecedented incident unfolds further inquiries are underway to determine its full impact on both the victims involved and the broader chess community while ensuring such disturbing acts are unequivocally addressed within Russia’s sporting domains.
