By VICTOR OKOYE

No fewer than 250 young chess enthusiasts converged on Abuja on Saturday for the Evolve 2.0 Children?s Chess Championship.

The event, aimed at deepening grassroots sports development and grooming future grandmasters, was organised by the Royals Chess Academy.

Participants drawn from schools across the FCT competed in four age-based categories; Under-8, Under-10, Under-13, and Under-16.

Mr Johnson Enejison, Proprietor of Royals Chess Academy and convener of the championship, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the competition was designed not only to discover young talent but also to instil essential life skills in children.

?Chess improves critical thinking, builds resilience, and promotes discipline and focus from an early age,? he said.

On the sidelines, young players expressed excitement about the game?s benefits.

12-year-old Somtochukwu Okolo said chess had improved his academic performance, especially in mathematics.

?It makes me intelligent and helps me do well in my exams,? he said.

Ms Jemimah Ugwuocha called chess a game for young minds, adding that it teaches players to plan ahead and think strategically.

Similarly, Jaydeen Arosanyin and Osikwe Grace noted that the game sharpens critical thinking and makes learning enjoyable.

Parents and coaches also lauded the sport?s impact beyond the competition.

Mrs Taiye Arosanyin said introducing her son to chess had helped him to focus and pay greater attention to his studies.

A chess coach, Mr Uba Efe, said teaching children the game could be challenging but rewarding.

?Sometimes they get distracted, but the joy lies in seeing them develop problem-solving skills and confidence while interacting with their peers,? he said.

With keen participation and strong performances across all categories, the tournament underscored chess as a growing tool for childhood development.

Winners emerged across all four categories of the championship.

In the Under-16 category, Goodluck Agbara claimed first place and received N30,000.

Afolabi Olutoye Jeremiah came second with N15,000, while Emereole Lawrence finished third, also winning N15,000.

Iwuagwu Nkiruka took fourth position and earned N15,000, just as Orji Chinazam placed fifth with the same prize.

In sixth place was Iyiola Khalid, who also received N15,000.

The award for Best Female Player in this category went to Ihewulezi Chisom, who received N10,000.

In the Under-13 category, Charles Oro emerged champion and took home N25,000.

Second place went to Abasiono Ibok, who received N15,667, while Afolabi Daniel Olumide came third with the same amount.

Mba Uchechi Prosper finished fourth and earned N15,667.

The Best Female Player award in this category was won by Abiodun Kamila, who received N10,000.

For the Under-10 category, Pedro Odogwu claimed first position with a prize of N20,000.

Second place went to Chukwurah King David, who earned N7,166.

Odidiong Ibok took third place with the same prize, while Kamolideen Muhammad-Awwal came fourth, also receiving N7,166.

Ajayi Rereoluwasimi placed fifth and got N7,166, while sixth place went to Rhitoh Joseph, who also received N7,166.

The Best Female Player award in this category went to Berecharh Barnabas, who received N10,000.

In the Under-8 category, Ojeaga Olumhense took first place with a prize of N15,000.

Ibok Idara came second and received N11,000, while Osemudiamhen Osose came third with the same amount.

Fourth place went to Uduaka Victor, who earned N8,000.

The Best Female Player award in this category went to Princess Ukpokowo Olumhense, who received N10,000.

Special recognition went to Munachi Jason Emmanuel, who was named the youngest chess talent of the tournament and received N10,000 for his achievement. (NAN)

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