MBABANE – Eswatini Women’s Chess Team has been received with a E20,000 incentive upon their return frome winning Gold at the 44th Chess Olympiad which was held in India last week. The Gold team consists of Nosimilo Mkhonto, Nosipho Dlamini, Ciniso Nkwanyane, Nomcebo Sibisi and Sincobile Dlamini.
Presenting the team with the E20,000 incentive was Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Bulunga. “His Majesty’s Government remains committed to supporting emaSwati pursue all available sporting avenues. It pleases us to note the variety with which our medals have come from this year- boxing, swimming, taekwondo and chess- underlining the fact that sporting development is happening across many different sporting codes in the Kingdom,” said Minister Bulunga, noting that this is the country’s 19th medal this year.
Minister Bulunga added that, “As is the norm, Government, per our policy, celebrates and rewards athletes who achieve podium finishes in international competitions. I am therefore pleased to announce that our Gold-winning Chess team will receive E20 000 from the Ministry for their outstanding feat. This is Government’s way of recognising your efforts.”
Athlete Representative Nosimilo Mkhonto spoke on behalf her teammates and said, “We still can’t believe we won a Gold medal at an international tournament. We also wish to take this moment to appreciate the support we received from the Sports Council. It wasn’t easy but I also wish to thank my teammates for not giving up.”
