Russian Ambassador Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov revealed his government’s plan to bring Chess Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov to teach the Filipino youth about chess as part of Moscow’s plans to help in the country’s sports program.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Jan. 25, Vice President Sara Duterte shared about her meeting with Pavlov, who was one of the six foreign ambassadors to visit the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) Central Office in Mandaluyong City.
The official said her office would like to work together with the Russian Embassy in Manila to bring the chess grandmaster to the country.
“Tayo din ay bukas sa pakikipagtulungan sa (We are also open to working together with the) Russian government sa kanilang plano na dalhin ang kanilang (in their plan to bring) Chess Grandmaster na si Anatoly Karpov upang turuan ang mga interesadong kabataan sa larong (to teach the Filipino youth interested in the game of) chess,” she wrote.
Karpov had been playing chess since the age of four and become a grandmaster at 19.
He reigned as the top player in the world in the 1970s and 1980s, winning over a total of 160 tournaments.
Although not actively playing in tournaments right now, Karpov was heavily involved in Russian politics and is still considered an inspiration for past and present World Champions.
Aside from plans to bring the Russian chess grandmaster in the country, Duterte also shared other topics she discussed with Pavlov.
READ: 6 foreign envoys visit VP Duterte’s office, but why?
The Vice President likewise posted photos of her meeting with the Russian envoy and his delegation.
Pavlov was also presented with a commemorative coin with Duterte’s and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s images.
“Bukod sa posibleng kooperasyon sa larangan ng enerhiya, edukasyon, at agrikultura, napag-usapan din namin ngayong hapon ni (Aside from the possible cooperation in the areas of energy, education, and agriculture, we also talked this afternoon with) Russian Ambassador His Excellency Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov ang iba pang mga programang makakatulong sa ating mga kabataan tulad ng (other programs that could help our youth like) sports,” she said.