If you were at the Muritala Muhammed Airport (MM2) in Lagos on Wednesday, you will surely wonder what was happening. In fact, the situation succinctly captures the sentiment articulated by chess grandmaster, Salo Flohr: “Chess, much like love, knows no age boundaries”.
It was the home-coming of Tunde Onakoya after his record-setting chess marathon in Times Square.
Onakoya played non-stop chess for 58 hours, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 56 hours and 9 minutes, set by FM Sjur Ferkingstad and Hallvard Haug Flatebø in Haugesund, Norway, in 2018.
Taken For Medical Attention
His record-breaking marathon concluded on Saturday morning with a checkmate against NM Shawn Martinez.
Sadly, upon his arrival at the airport, Onakoya wasn’t feeling too well. He was quickly taken away for medical attention.
The marathon, though exhilarating, can be exhausting, highlighting the physical toll of such a long and intense event.
Tunde Onakoya And Chess In Slums
Beyond his impressive chess skills, Tunde Onakoya is known for his role as a coach and advocate for social change through his “Chess in Slums” initiative.
This $1 million project aims to transform the lives of underprivileged children in Lagos, Nigeria, through chess.
Onakoya’s vision involves providing chess training and mentorship to children in slums and other under-resourced areas.
Also, he plans to equip them with new skills, guidance, and opportunities for a brighter future.
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Onakoya’s initiative has gained international recognition for its success stories.
Indeed, they showcase how chess and similar intellectual activities can create a positive social impact.
While the official recognition from Guinness World Records is pending, his achievement has already garnered significant attention and appreciation.
Despite his physical exhaustion, his commitment to promoting chess and empowering underprivileged youth continues to inspire many.
