The National Sports Commission, NSC Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Benard Ezema, has expressed deep concerns  over the state of sports in the region, while calling for its upgrade and promotion especially at the school and grassroot level.

The NSC Zonal Coordinator who is an advocate for talent discovery and harnessing, acknowledged that sports plays a pivotal role in the development and expansion of any modern society.

Speaking in a phone conversation shortly after the conclusion of hostilities for the 2026 edition of the Southeast chess championship in Umuahia at the weekend, Mr. Ezema reaffirmed that such programs will definitely create an opportunity for emerging and new generation of players who will take the world by storm.

The 4- day event, witnessed competition in various categories among the five southeastern states, as fans, supporters and chess enthusiasts celebrate and chant  following some of  the  exciting techniques and patterns displayed by the players.

Chess, one of the modern Olympics discipline will feature in the forthcoming National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Enugu tagged 2026 Coal City Games, by November.