The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, has commended the commencement of the Under-17 Male and Female Chess Tournament, taking place at the Media Center of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The 3-day tournament, which runs from August 7 to 9, 2025, is organized by the Edo South Senatorial District of the Commission in collaboration with the Edo State Chess Association.
Enabulele warmly welcomed all participants, describing the tournament as a key part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote talent discovery across the state.
“For the past seven weeks, Edo State has been a beehive of sporting excellence, hosting one major event after another,” Enabulele remarked.
“From the EKUS Judo Championship to the Ardova PLC Handball Premier League, and the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Premier League which was concluded just three weeks ago, Edo continues to affirm its status as Nigeria’s true sporting hub. Now, we are proud to welcome Under-17 chess players to this championship.”
He emphasized that the series of tournaments reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s renewed commitment to sports development and youth empowerment, with the goal of nurturing homegrown talent for national and international competitions.
Enabulele further highlighted the crucial role grassroots sports initiatives play in discovering the next generation of champions and fostering healthy rivalry among young athletes.
“It is the mandate of Governor Monday Okpebholo to focus on grassroots sports development, and this tournament is a practical demonstration of that commitment,” he stated.
The Chairman revealed that the top two male and female players will be selected for the National Youth Games(NYG) camping exercise, after which a final trial will determine the state’s representatives.
He expressed particular excitement about the tournament’s role in building a more formidable state chess team and creating a pathway for emerging talents to participate in the upcoming NYG in Asaba, Delta State.
“I call on other sports associations to emulate the Chess Association by organizing youth-focused initiatives that will contribute to our collective goal of making Edo the powerhouse of sports in Nigeria,” Enabulele urged.
To encourage participation and reward excellence, cash prizes will be awarded in both male and female categories viz ₦25,000 for 1st position, ₦15,000 for 2nd, ₦10,000 for 3rd, ₦5,000 for 4th, along with consolation prizes for other participants.
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