Fifth National Chess Championship Kicks Off in Juba
By Denilson Deneki
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, inaugurated the Fifth National Chess Championship in Juba, emphasizing the importance of promoting sports at the grassroots level. Addressing chess players from various regions of the country, the Minister highlighted the role of sports in peace-building and national development.
Accompanied by senior officials from the ministry, including Undersecretary Deborah Akech Kuocnin and the Director General of Sports, Dr. Akech stressed the significance of all sports disciplines in fostering unity and progress within the nation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Undersecretary Hon. Deborah Akech Kuocnin encouraged participants to approach the game with discipline and respect as they compete against each other on the chessboard. The event was graced by distinguished guest speakers such as Dr. James Alic, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, and Dr. Agustino Ting Mayai, Chairperson of the Bureau of Statistics.
President of the South Sudan Chess Federation, Eng Aduot Madit, announced that the National Chess Championship serves as a preparation for the upcoming International Chess Championship scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary in September this year. Madit revealed that the qualifying team from this tournament will have the opportunity to represent South Sudan on the international stage, showcasing the talent and skill of the country’s chess players.
