On June 25 the FIDE President arrived to Cuba where he participated in the closing ceremony of the 50th Capablanca Memorial. The tournament was held in Habana Libre Hotel, the venue of 1966 World Chess Olympiad. The winner of the tournament became the young chess player from China GM Yu Yangyi. Before the tournament Kirsan Ilyumzhinov met with the President of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) of Cuba, Antonio Eduardo Becali. The both sides exchanged their views on various issues of bilateral cooperation. The possibility of training the specialists in Russian universities under the FIDE’s quote was emphasized by the Cuban side. The role of Cuban chess was specially highlighted in the development of chess in the region and on the continent. On June 26 Kirsan Ilyumzhinov met with the leadership of Cuban Chess Federation headed by Mr. Silvino Garcia Martinez. At the meeting also present was Mr. Luis Hernandez, President of Football Association of Cuba.


Meeting with the President of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) of Cuba, Mr. Antonio Eduardo Becali


FIDE President presented Kalmyk chess to Mr. Becali


The postage stamp cancellation was held during the closing ceremony, the stamps released for Capablanca Memorial.
The first stamp was canceled by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. The minister of Sport Mr. Becali also took part in the ceremony.


Capablanca Memorial stamp


The portrait of Cuban legend Jose Raul Capablanca, World Chess Champion from 1921-1927. A special gift to Mr. Antonio Eduardo Becali.


A portrait for FIDE President. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and the author.


FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and the winners of 50th Capablanca Memorial: GM Dmitry Andreikin, GM Pavel Eljanov, GM Yu Yangyi.


On June 26 Kirsan Ilyumzhinov met with the leadership of Cuban Chess Federation headed by Mr. Silvino Garcia Martinez. At the meeting also present was Mr. Luis Hernandez, President of Football Association of Cuba.