Ilyumzhinov during one of his interviews admitted: "I will never forget how I scrubbed the ‘Lenin corner’ (the place reserved for Lenin’s memorabilia, - Ed.). There were two ‘granddads’ (old-timers, - Ed.) playing chess at the table. They almost came to blows during the dispute whether there was the checkmate or not. I sorted everything out for them and won a couple of games blindly. I earned their respect and later spend time at the board instead of being sent for fatigue duty. That was great. I dread to remember the duties in kitchen... Greasy floors, dishes, which should be washed with the cold water; peeling potatoes for 2000 people. While friends sent me letters describing how they pass the exam sessions and went to disco with girls. I wanted to cry and the tears were falling down my cheeks. But I knew it was my choice, my way and it was essential to pass it through. Years in army, heavy belts, blood, bruises and a perpetual lack of sleep made ​​a man out of me...".
‘Who were not, he would be, and no one forgets 730 days in jack boots!’