It was a massive showdown of strength and endurance when the Ghana Wrestling Association (GWA) organised a Freestyle Wrestling Championship last Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The event, which was aimed at selecting a team for a continental championship next month saw about 50 wrestlers in various weight categories competing for glory.
At the end of the grueling contests, one of Ghana’s best wrestlers, John Dekagbe, won the senior’s +80 event after beating Jacob Hammond and Maxwell Amekudzi, who settled for the second and third positions respectively.
In the 78kg senior’s category, Richard Mensah came tops ahead of Joshua Ashitey who settled for the second position, while Derrick Abornyue came third.
The senior’s 69kg event was won by Richmond Mishimawu, while Rapheal Cofie and Godfred Quertey came second and third in that order.
Another keenly contested category was the senior’s 62kg which saw Jonathan Gbedze coming tops ahead of Prince Larbie and Kkenam Woanyah, who were second and third respectively.
The boys’ cadet 50kg event was won by Francis Forli with Joseph Akrong coming second, while Clifford Okine settled for the third position.
In the girls’ category, Mercy Akorli was a sensation on the day as she beats Priscilla Quaye and Judith Pappoe to clinch the first position. Quaye and Pappoe came second and third respectively.
All winners were presented with certificates for their efforts.
Speaking after the event, the President of the GWA, Mr Norbert Amefu, congratulated the practitioners for a great show, and urged them to continue working hard for subsequent events.
“We are working towards building a strong national team for all age and weight categories to compete in international events and make the nation proud,” he stated.
Traditional wrestling, he said was growing steadily in the country and was certain that the best team would be raised with representatives from across the country.
He urged the government, corporate entities and individuals to come on board to support the association to become one of the best sporting disciplines in the country.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
