The Namibian Chess Federation rewarded players from all corners of the country for their outstanding achievements during a special event held in Windhoek on Monday. The game of chess has increased in popularity in recent years, with players emerging from as far as Rosh Pinah, Keetmanshoop, Rundu, Oshakati, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund. Awards were given to players from the different leagues including schools, regional, national and international participation. This year, players competed at the African Youth Chess Championships in Kenya, World Cadets Chess Championships in Santiago , Spain, World Youth Chess Championships in Greece as well as the 43rd World Chess Olympiad in Geogia. Namibia recorded a second African champion at this year's championships, which came about through eight year old Oyo Hinda - the first African title was won by Dante Beukes. Two Namibians - namely Rauha Shipindo and Immanuel Gariseb - were crowned the Women's FIDE Master and Candidate Masters, while Nicola Tjaronda and Charles Eichab were awarded as being Namibian women and men's champions. Speaking at the occasion, the president of the federation, Israel Shilongo, applauded all the players for their achievements and also lauded the parents and sponsors for their investment in the game. “We put a lot of effort to ensure that the sport is where it's supposed to be, where we recognise like your FIFA player of the year awards. That is where we want to be. It's our second time, unfortunately at this stage we still not at a level where we are able to remunerate the players and the coaches for the efforts but we do recognise and appreciate all of that” Israel said. Chess is one of the twelve sports codes, which form part of the Namibia National Schools Sports Union's programme and national director Solly Duiker acknowledged a healthy relationship between the two institutions. He also commended the Chess parent’s involvement in their children's sport uptake. “When the parents are next to the chess tables the children want to perform because the parents are there. That is the currently what we are lacking in Namibia , parental support next to the sports fields” Duiker said. The players were happy with the recognition, although some felt that incentives should be included in future awards. 20 juniors players are leaving for Limpopo, South Africa on Wednesday to compete in the African Individuals Schools champs, taking place between the 5th and the 13th of December. The federation will host the African Amateurs Individual Chess Championship from the 30th of December to the 7th of January in Windhoek