RUSSIAN CHESS PLAYERS SOCIALIZATION PROCESS MANAGEMENT IN MODERN CONDITIONS

Abstract

Introduction. The development of Russian chess, traditionally one of the world's leading sports, is particularly important for modern society. Chess fosters not only a sporting but also an intellectual national culture, stimulating the habit of broad and deep thinking, analyzing, comparing data, and absorbing knowledge. At the same time, the foreign policy situation, the imposition of FIDE restrictions limiting Russian chess players' participation in rating tournaments, and the lack of sufficient opportunities for their career development in the Russian Federation, leading to changes in their sporting citizenship, create obstacles to the development of chess. The aim of this study is to identify institutional problems in the socialization of Russian chess players in the current context and to develop recommendations for managing the socialization process.

Materials and Methods. Key regulatory acts, public reporting and analytical materials of the Russian Chess Federation, and other relevant documents have been analyzed. The results of the elite chess players expert survey (N=177, 2025) and expert interviews with the representatives of the chess sport institute-coaches, officials, and veteran athletes (N=45, 2025) have been presented.

Results. Elite chess players serve as role models for young people, demonstrating their extraordinary intellectual and analytical abilities and psychological resilience to a wide audience. At the same time, problem areas in the management of the socialization process related to the development of a nationally oriented civic position in chess players have been identified. While the high level of chess training in Russia remains high, insufficient activity by chess federations, weak support for chess from government agencies and the business community, and a limited number of national competitions and entertainment events have been noted. The importance of the chess sport institute development in Russia in accordance with the opportunities for career development of elite chess players and the satisfaction of their material and status needs has been emphasized.

Discussion. In the current context of sanctions and the challenges of changing sports citizenship, special attention should be paid to the following management aspects: developing a nationally oriented civic position in chess players. Sporting prospects and national recognition should help motivate chess players to be loyal to their homeland through athletic achievements.