Kisumu City was abuzz with excitement as over 450 young chess enthusiasts gathered at Kasagam Secondary School for the highly anticipated Nyanza Regional Youth Chess Tournament.
The event, a testament to the growing interest in chess among the youth, showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition across various age categories.
In the under 17 category, Mary Agnes from Makini School emerged victorious among girls, clinching the top spot with an impressive six points. She was closely followed by Mercy Achieng and Mary Atieno from Koru Girls, who secured second and third places, respectively.
On the boys’ side, Fabian Jesse, also from Makini School, demonstrated his prowess by finishing first, with Jethwa Shiv and Koradia Dhairya securing the second and third positions.
In the Under 15 category, Ravat Rishit of Kisumu Senior School emerged as the champion, showcasing strategic brilliance on the board.
James Wikita and Barrack Obama followed closely behind. Shukri Shakira dominated the girls’ category, outmaneuvering her opponents to claim the top spot ahead of Serena Stacy and Kayla Ambasa.
The youngest players in the Under-7 category displayed impressive skill as well, with Kyle Aswa Omondi from Sapphire School and Toto Clive-Wren both securing high standings. Silim Hussein from Jalaram Academy emerged as the top performer with a perfect score of six points among the boys, while Zanelle Gift led the girls with an equally impressive score.
The tournament also highlighted the collective achievements of participating schools, with Makini School emerging as the standout institution, securing the title of the best school in the competition.
Schools such as Mudasa Academy, Msingi School, Koru Secondary, and Jalaram Academy also made notable contributions to the event’s success.
Ben Magana, a prominent chess player and speaker at the tournament, underscored the importance of dedication and consistent training in chess mastery.
“Achieving excellence in chess requires continuous effort and parental support,” remarked Magana, urging parents to nurture their children’s passion for the game.
Andrew Owili, the tournament director, expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcome and the growing popularity of chess in the region.
“The turnout and enthusiasm we’ve witnessed today demonstrate the growing interest and talent in chess across Nyanza,” noted Owili, highlighting the event’s role in fostering a competitive spirit among young players.
The Nyanza Regional Youth Chess Tournament not only celebrated the accomplishments of its participants but also served as a platform to inspire future generations of chess players in the region.
With such remarkable talent on display, the future of chess in Nyanza looks promising, driven by passion, skill, and community support.
