Literatura i sport. Povest' L.A. Kassilja "Chod beloj korolevy" [Literature and Sports. L.A. Kassil's Novel "The White Queen's Move"]

Using the story "The White Queen's Gambit" (1953-1956) by Soviet writer L.A. Kassil as an example, this article demonstrates the influence of sport on people, its ability to evoke emotions associated with athletic victories, national pride, and instil interest in people and their abilities - in this case, physical ones - in the lives of others. This article focuses on L.A. Kassil's works, which, ahead of their time, draw to crossover literature. The aim of this study is to examine L.A. Kassil's writing style, the specific features of his sports-themed story, and the ways he describes the characters' inner worlds, their love and devotion to sport, which enable them to overcome difficulties. The natural, organic narrative of a female skier and her coach is an example of crossover literature that arouses the interest of both young and adult readers. The demonstration of physical ability, as well as perseverance and devotion, reveal the profound pedagogical concept underlying the work. The rigorous athletic training of the main characters served as an inspiration for many generations of readers.