Highly promising youngster Adeoti Oladapo Bolaji once again led the way for Kwara State, as the team from Ilorin clinched the top spot at this year’s South West Chess Championship in Ilesha.
Sports247 reports that Bolaji, who is fondly called ‘Posky,’ won a gold medal to cap his wonderful performance during the competition at the University of Ilesa, Osun State.
His performance gave him the top spot in the under-2000 category after seven rounds of a fierce contest involving 127 players, following which his achievement was attributed to immense government sponsorship and sports development in Kwara State.
‘Posky’ was among six youngsters who represented the state at the championship, in which Mardiyah Kehinde Abdulsalam also won bronze after a gallant try against strong opposition that included International Masters and other highly rated players.
Other members of Kwara State’s team were Habidat Sodiq, Durojaiye Boluwatife, Idris Malik and Kudirat Al-Imam, who all completed the competition’s total seven rounds.
An official from the state said afterwards, “The team’s performance underscores the progress being made in chess development across the state and the emergence of promising talents capable of competing at national and international levels.
“The achievements have further reinforced the importance of sustained government support, sponsorship and investment in sports development to nurture emerging talents and strengthen Kwara State’s position in competitive chess.”
