The text is optimized for SEO. Original interview read in our magazine.
Today, we have the honor to take an interview with Alexey Kharlashin, a champion in the emerging sport of chessboxing. Alexey has a rich background in boxing and has transitioned into this unique sport, combining the mental challenge of chess with the physical prowess of boxing.
Alexey, can you tell us about your sports career? Just a brief introduction for our readers.
I started boxing at the age of 10. Initially, I just wanted to learn how to be strong and stand up for myself, but then I really fell in love with boxing and began training professionally. By 13, I had achieved the first sports category, and at 15, I became a candidate for master of sports. I won the championship of the USSR among children’s schools in Belarus.
After that, I went to a master’s tournament in Dushanbe, but I wasn’t awarded the title of master of sports even though I won it. Ultimately, I achieved that title in Dagestan in 1990, and I was officially recognized in 1991, when I turned 18.
During my service at CSKA (Central Sports Army Club), I actively competed and earned the title of CIS champion in full-contact kickboxing under WAKO in 1992. Alongside my athletic career, I took on coaching responsibilities, mentoring aspiring athletes.
Later, I shifted focus to training youth, including my daughter, who followed in my footsteps by becoming a candidate for master of sports in boxing. This period allowed me to contribute to the next generation of fighters while stepping back from active competition. Now, she is a coach too, just like me.
Simultaneously, I was invite d to participate in a boxing league, where I competed five times, winning in Moscow and twice in Russia. Then a new sport emerged—chessboxing. I was offered to compete, but I was told that I needed to know how to play chess; otherwise, I wouldn’t get past the first round. I won in the ring and became the chessboxing champion of 2022 in the master class. Currently, I’m working as a children’s coach.
Fantastic! This March, chessboxing became an official sport in Russia. How does it feel to be the champion of an official sport?
We were thrilled when the news came out because I am well acquainted with the vice president of chessboxing, Rishat Salimovich Sayapov. He has been promoting chessboxing and visiting us regularly. I want to express my gratitude to him for pushing the sport forward.
They participated in the World Championship held in Yerevan, where my friend became the world champion in chessboxing. Due to all these efforts, they secured first place in Italy and Yerevan. This official recognition of chessboxing by sports authorities highlights the sport’s growing legitimacy. Witnessing this progress fills me with genuine pride and excitement.
Embracing this unique combination of mental strategy and physical endurance can unlock remarkable benefits for participants at all levels.
What are the essential qualities a sportsman should have to practice chessboxing?
First, you need to undergo a complete medical examination, just like in boxing, because you are going to face direct contact in the ring. Secondly, you must know how to play chess and be aware of the rules, as getting three warnings in chess means you’re out of the game.
There are two types of chessboxing: fitness chessboxing and ring chessboxing. Fitness chessboxing is great for children who can’t box but want to learn. In this format, you spend a minute hitting a bag, take a minute to rest, and then you go play chess. After that minute, it’s crucial to orient yourself and think ahead, which can be challenging.
In professional chessboxing, the sports masters oversee the chess game, and there’s a time limit involved. The matches consist of quick chess games and full contact in boxing.
How were the training sessions structured for chessboxing?
Initially, I learned the rules and invited a grandmaster who taught me to play chess over ten lessons. Then, I downloaded a chess app and began playing daily, aiming to play 4-5 matches a day.
There’s an opportunity to try your hand at chessboxing fitness until you’re 60 years old. You can compete in light-contact boxing in the ring until the age of 55, where the strikes are lighter, without too much force.
How are weight and age categories determined in competitions?
There’s an age classification: 18-40 years, 40-50, and 50-60. You compete in the category that corresponds to your age group. You need to be in good health to enter the ring because 2 minutes can be a serious challenge for men.
Why did you decide to participate?
I wanted to extend my sporting life because I missed being in the ring. At 50, I became the chessboxing champion of Russia. Chessboxing is held not only in Russia but in other countries as well. It has been around in Europe since 1992, akin to an Olympic movement.
Many people participate, and professional competitions even offer decent prizes. It’s like biathlon, where you run first and then shoot. In chessboxing, you play chess first and then step into the ring.
In which countries do you see potential for the development of chessboxing?
All former republics participated in competitions in Moscow: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. In Russia, there are many teams, such as from St. Petersburg and Chelyabinsk, where they have opened chessboxing training classes.
Countries like Chile, Argentina, Iran, and others have also taken part in world competitions. It’s fascinating—matches can even be played via an app, where the coach can only cheer while the athlete hits the bag.
What advice would you give to aspiring athletes who are about to start their careers?
First and foremost, it’s about the desire. Secondly, parents should support their children rather than discourage them. A child needs to understand on their own whether they want to pursue sports. Parents should assist in getting them to training sessions, covering the costs, and providing the necessary gear.