Sport

Abiodun Appoints Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya as Sports Ambassador

By Web News 210 0

By Wuraola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Tunde Onakoya, who holds Guinness world record for the longest marathon chess game, as youth and sports ambassador of the state.

The governor also promised that the game of chess would be given priority during the forthcoming 2024 National Sports Festival, NSF, taking place in the state

Governor Abiodun, who let this out while playing host to the chess Guinness world record holder at Okemosan, Abeokuta said the state government would put the necessary machinery in place towards the promotion of the game by supporting Tunde Onakoya’s chess foundation and also set up chess competition right from the local government to the state level in order to encourage youth participation 

Commending the parent of Tunde Onakoya for giving him the rightful upbringing, the state helmsman urged the youths to emulate the resilience, perseverance, and dedication demonstrated by the world chess champion as they forge ahead in life 

Earlier, Mr Tunde Onakoya in a remark applauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for honouring him, stating that he would use his position as the world renowned chess player to institute various programs to promote the game among the youths in Ogun state and the nation at large

Mr Tunde Onakoya on April 17, embarked on a vision to break the world record aimed at empowering the illiterate children across Africa through his feat which he successfully achieved on April 20 at Times Square in New York City, United States of America by playing for sixty hours non-stop and won all the games

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Lifestyle

Onakoya Receives Heroic Welcome after Breaking Guinness World Record

By Web News 289 0

Chess-in-Slums Founder, Tunde Onakoya, who recently surpassed the world record for the longest-ever chess marathon, clocking an impressive 60 hours, received a heartwarming welcome upon his return to Nigeria on Wednesday.

He was greeted with a heartwarming reception, complete with singing and dancing at the airport.

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.

The new record holder said he attempted to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Sport

Chess Marathon: Tunde Onakoya Pushes for 60-hour to Dust Own 58-Hour Record

By Web News 553 0

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.

The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.

He wrote, “We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching the 58-hour target.

The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift of the previous record holders.

The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.

It read in part, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.

After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.

Meanwhile, Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold, have all shown support for Onakoya to break the new record.

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