Sadauna Ilorin chess championship kicks off
Ilorin hosts national chess championship with $1,000 prize
The inaugural Sadauna Ilorin National Open Chess Championship has commenced in Ilorin, attracting some of Nigeria’s leading male and female chess players competing for a $1,000 top prize.
The four-day tournament, which began on Wednesday, will end on Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the George Agbazika Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
The competition features classical and blitz chess events, with the overall winner in the Open category expected to receive $1,000.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji, commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for providing facilities to promote sports development in the state.
Mogaji also lauded the tournament’s sponsor, Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area and Kwara State Chess Association, for supporting the competition.
He said the championship was organised to identify and nurture chess talents at the grassroots level.
The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr Bode Durotoye, expressed appreciation to the players for their impressive turnout and assured participants of a hitch-free competition.
Nigeria’s number-one chess player, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, who hails from Kwara, is among the leading participants.
Other male competitors include Olisa Ewomazino and Eyetongham Callistus.
In the female category, Nigeria’s top-ranked female chess player, Sulyman Azumi Aishat, and reigning World Rapid Champion Omoruyi Sandra are among the major attractions.
The championship is expected to provide a platform for competitive chess, talent discovery and the promotion of the game across Kwara State and Nigeria.
