The Coordinator of the Chess event at the 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival, Allen Kigbu, has revealed plans to partner the Nigerian Chess Federation in their quest to promote the sports in Nigeria.
Speaking at the end of the chess competition held at the officers’ mess of the Army Headquarters Garrison in Asokoro, Mr. Kigbu, a Brigadier General, said their aim was to ensure that the event was incorporated in the NCF calendar which will pave way for its rating.
“This competition cuts across all ranks of the military from the lowest to the highest. This will enable us to have officers and soldiers rated,” he said.
While assuring that the verification process is at an advanced stage, he thanked the board of the NCF led by Lekan Adeyemi for its support so far.
He revealed that two internationally graded arbiters who were sent by the federation were on ground to supervise the event.
“They sent two arbiters who are international arbiters to monitor and adjudge the situation to make sure that they (players) play according to rules and regulations of the sport,” he said.
Meanwhile, E.E Igoche, Lt. Col., from the Army Headquarter Garrison, won the gold medal in the Blitz (individual) event with 4points ahead of S.O Solomon from 1 Division.
A general, Egwu Okezie, had to settle for the bronze medal.
In the classical (individual) event, Lt. Col. Igoche showed his prowess to coast home to victory with 15 points.
A Lance Corporal, Ogunseyini Adelaja, also from AHQ, won the silver with 14 points ahead of A.A Akinrinmade, Lt. Col., from 1 Division with 13points.
In the classical (team) Division, Army Headquarter Garrison were crowned the winner with 39 points.
1 Division won silver with 38 points and 2 Division had to settle for the bronze medal.
Medal presentation for the track and field events is expected to take place on Thursday at the mainbowl of the National stadium, Abuja.
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