World Champion, Tunde Onakoya
The Guinness World Record Holder in Chess, Tunde Onakoya has said that though he is in Ogun State as an observer of the on-going National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Gateway Games 2024, he is particularly interested in Chess game and how its players are rewarded.
“I look forward to the games, the festival is an opportunity to discover true champions. I am particular about Chess game”, Onakoya said.
Speaking in an interview after the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Sports Festival, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto Abeokuta, the Chess champion bared his mind to journalists at the games.
“I am here to support Ogun State, I hope the State wins, that’s my own personal bias”, Onakoya pointed out.
He then emphatically added: “I have no doubt, there are lots of beautiful Chess players in the country. I will be watching as an observer but what I really want to see is that such players are really well rewarded as well as other athletes”.
“Chess is a competitive sport and mentally demanding like any other sports. In fact, I hope the medalists are rewarded excellently. Some will say by playing Chess, you burn more calories than playing football”, he said.
Onakoya also hailed the facilities on ground for the 22nd National Sports Festival, describing it as world class.
Onakoya, known for his charitable efforts, urged the State Government to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities, adding that he looked forward to a great sports festival.
