Chess enthusiasts, particularly veterans, gathered at Lingzhi Global, Rhomat Plaza, Rayfield, Jos, for the inaugural Coffee and Chess Tournament, an initiative designed to combine intellectual engagement with relaxation and social interaction.
The tournament brought together veteran chess players and enthusiasts aged 30 and above in a friendly atmosphere where participants enjoyed chess games alongside freshly brewed coffee.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Plateau State Chess Association, Pascal Nyam, said the initiative was designed to provide an avenue for veteran chess players to reconnect, relax and sharpen their minds.
Nyam explained that coffee and chess have a complementary relationship, noting that while coffee helps participants relax their nerves, chess stimulates intelligence, strategic thinking and mental alertness.
According to him, the Plateau State Chess Association plans to make Lingzhi Global a regular venue for veteran chess tournaments, allowing participants to play chess, socialise and enjoy coffee.
He described the initiative as a refreshing combination of relaxation, friendship and mental development.
Also speaking, the organiser of Plateau Chess Monthly and Coffee and Chess Gambit, Reuben John Durkwa, said the tournament was conceived as a platform for people to hang out, build friendships and enjoy chess in a relaxed environment.
Durkwa said the event also sought to promote Lingzhi Global while creating opportunities for veterans and younger chess enthusiasts aged 30 and above to interact.
He described the maiden edition as successful, noting that participants travelled from Abuja and Kaduna to take part in the tournament.
He announced that the Coffee and Chess Tournament would become a monthly event, expressing optimism that subsequent editions would attract chess lovers from different parts of the country.
Participants were also treated to free coffee during the event, further reinforcing the tournament’s concept of bringing together chess, friendship and coffee culture in Jos.
