Photo: Garry Kasparov's Twitter, family archives

It is with great sadness that we must share the sad news of the passing of Klara Shagenovna Kasparova (March 19, 1937 - December 25, 2020), mother of the 13th World Champion Garry Kasparov. 

Klara was, however, much more than a mother to Garry: she was a long-life mentor, who played a pivotal role in his career and development as one of the greatest champions in the world of sports. 

To begin with, Garry learned the game by observing Klara and her husband, the late Kim Weinstein, solving chess puzzles from the newspapers. When it became obvious that ‘Garik’ was a very gifted kid, part of his family wanted him to study music, but it was Klara who pointed him in the direction of becoming a chess player. And in 1981 she quit her job for good, to devote herself completely to the task of helping Kasparov to become World Champion. From then on, she combined the roles of a team leader, sports manager, press attaché, and doctor. 

Kasparov himself broke the news with a moving message on his Twitter account: “With great sorrow, I share the news of the passing of my mother, Klara Shagenovna Kasparova. My role model, my greatest champion, my wise counsel, and the strongest person I will ever know. I love you, Mama.” 

Klara’s love and determination were an inspiration to anyone who had the chance to see the formidable duo that she made with her son. 

The International Chess Federation would like to extend its deepest condolences to Garry and his family during this difficult time.