21.03.2026
An Intellectual Delegation Visits Alabuga: Renowned Russian Grandmasters Lead Workshop for College and School Students
The event aimed to develop strategic thinking
A major chess event took place in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone on March 21, with renowned Russian grandmasters as guests of honor: Dmitry Kryakvin, a multiple medalist in national competitions, and Pavel Ponkratov, a six-time European youth rapid chess champion. The event brought together pupils from Alabuga International School, students from Alabuga Polytech, and participants in the Alabuga Start international program.
The grandmasters shared their personal success stories, discussed how they had overcome challenges in their careers, and answered questions from the audience about the future of chess in the age of artificial intelligence. Participants of varying skill levels formed teams led by the grandmasters. Under a strict time limit of five minutes per game, students demonstrated teamwork and tactical flexibility.
The highlight of the day was a series of exhibition games. Dmitry Kryakvin gave a simultaneous exhibition across several boards, while Pavel Ponkratov amazed spectators with his phenomenal memory during a blindfold chess exhibition.
The event concluded with a large autograph session. Every participant had the opportunity to speak with the grandmasters in person and have their chessboards and books signed as keepsakes.
A major chess event took place in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone on March 21, with renowned Russian grandmasters as guests of honor: Dmitry Kryakvin, a multiple medalist in national competitions, and Pavel Ponkratov, a six-time European youth rapid chess champion. The event brought together pupils from Alabuga International School, students from Alabuga Polytech, and participants in the Alabuga Start international program.
The grandmasters shared their personal success stories, discussed how they had overcome challenges in their careers, and answered questions from the audience about the future of chess in the age of artificial intelligence. Participants of varying skill levels formed teams led by the grandmasters. Under a strict time limit of five minutes per game, students demonstrated teamwork and tactical flexibility.
The highlight of the day was a series of exhibition games. Dmitry Kryakvin gave a simultaneous exhibition across several boards, while Pavel Ponkratov amazed spectators with his phenomenal memory during a blindfold chess exhibition.
The event concluded with a large autograph session. Every participant had the opportunity to speak with the grandmasters in person and have their chessboards and books signed as keepsakes.
