Maksim Ishkeldin helped Russia to win six Bandy World Championships, including in 2013 ©Getty Images

The Federation of International Bandy (FIB) has expressed grief over the death of six-time world champion Maksim Ishkeldin, who was just 30.

Ishkeldin appeared at eight FIB World Championships, winning six gold medals for Russia.

He helped Russia win the world crown in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Ishkeldin, who was also a runner-up twice, won the honour for the tournament's best midfielder when it was last held, in 2019.


Russia's state-run news agency TASS reports that Ishkeldin died in his sleep yesterday, with a blot clot believed to be the cause of death.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow.

Ishkeldin was additionally a five-time Russian champion.