Political prisoners played chess on Robben Island - Zuma

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President Jacob Zuma has called for the sport of chess to be viewed as a serious sport in schools.

President Zuma was speaking on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Chess Championships and SA Open at the International Convention Centre at the Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth.

"It prompts latent skills on the children, patience, quick wit, decisiveness and confidence arising from competition with counterparts, including those from outside the country," said Zuma.

"It therefore promotes cross-cultural communication, which is vital in enhancing social cohesion even among the children at this crucial young age," he added.

Zuma, an avid player, spent the day at the Championships which was won by Indian grand master, Abhijit Gupta.

The president also played a game against a 5-year-old boy from East London, the youngest player at the tournament, which ended in a stalemate.

During his speech, Zuma said chess also helped to sharpen the skills of political prisoners, incarcerated on Robben Island.

"It propelled our minds beyond the confines of the prison walls and allowed us to reflect and to position our thoughts strategically to fight the regime. Many comrades made chess sets out of soap and driftwood that allowed us to continue to play this noble and great game," he said.

"We improvised with makeshift chess boards and we enjoyed the fullness of the game."