Tunde Onakoya’s resilience shines amid intense vomiting, stomach pain
Gift of Chess, a non-profit organisation based in New York, has revealed that Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has shown remarkable resilience during his ongoing chess marathon, despite facing significant health challenges.
Onakoya’s marathon endeavor, taking place at New York’s Times Square, involves attempting to play chess for a staggering 58 hours without a single defeat.
As of the latest update, Onakoya has successfully played for over 45 hours without being defeated, as he continues to strive towards surpassing the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
The current record, held by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway, stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
Despite encountering intense vomiting and stomach pain during the marathon, Onakoya has remained determined to press on.
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In a tweet by Gift of Chess, they shared Onakoya’s perseverance, stating, “When given the choice to quit, he said, ‘I will play on for the dreams of millions of children.’ Tunde has never quit on the kids. Let’s not quit on him.”
Onakoya’s marathon has garnered support from both Nigerians at home and abroad, with public figures and celebrities showing up at the venue to cheer him on.
Among those who have shown support for Onakoya are Afrobeats star Davido, Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York City Ambassador Peter Egopija, Omoyele Sowore, and several others.
The marathon, held at New York City’s iconic Times Square, commenced at 10 am on Wednesday, April 17, and is scheduled to conclude at 8 pm on April 19.
Despite the health challenges faced by Onakoya, his determination to push through exemplifies his commitment to both the sport of chess and the aspirations of millions of children inspired by his efforts.
