The Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) on Tuesday, February 4, organised a basic coaching course for about 20 participants at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The participants, drawn from the security services, civilian groups and Physical Education tutors, underwent training as part of the Federation’s broader strategy to introduce armwrestling to a wider audience and identify potential talents ahead of the African Armwrestling Championship, which Ghana is set to host.
The course was facilitated by seasoned technical official and Head of Armwrestling Referees for Africa, Mr. Husseini Akueteh Addy, with support from national athletes and certified referees.
Participants were taken through the rules and regulations of the sport, key terminologies, basic coaching methods, and the use of standard professional armwrestling equipment.
Speaking during the training, President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, highlighted the importance of the programme in strengthening Team Ghana.
“This training is part of the Federation’s strategy to identify talents and help shape them for Team Ghana ahead of the African Championship and the African Games next year. We know our strength in Ghana and want to build on it to go beyond what we have achieved in previous years. This is a continuous programme that will allow us to monitor your progress,” he said.
In an interview after the session, Mr Husseini Akueteh Addy explained that the course focused on building strong technical foundations, particularly among coaches.
“We are preparing to host the African Championship, which will also serve as a qualifier for the African Games. As technical officials, we must strengthen our structures, especially our coaches. Our focus is on schools and the security services, with the aim of developing more talents ahead of the championship,” he stated.
He added that the programme marks the beginning of a long-term plan.
“This is just the foundation. We will organise a series of seminars, after which participants who show strong potential will be certified. They will then be exposed to more advanced technical training and a deeper understanding of the rules,” he said.
Explaining the urgency of the exercise, Mr Addy noted: “I need to do this quickly before competitions begin because, as Head Referee for Africa, I will be engaged outside the Ghana system. This is the time to marshal all available resources and quality materials for the team.”
One of the participants, Richard Boafo, a teacher at Wesley Grammar School, expressed satisfaction with the training and revealed plans to introduce the sport in his school.
“It was a very good experience. I learned a lot about basic coaching techniques. Armwrestling is something we all grew up doing at home on ordinary tables, but now it has become a professional sport with specialised equipment. I now understand how to properly use these tools,” he said.
Asked how soon his school would begin producing athletes, he responded confidently: “Very soon. Once I return to school, I will introduce the sport to the students. Those who show interest and have the required physical attributes will be selected, and training will begin immediately.”
The Ghana Armwrestling Federation is optimistic that the initiative will unearth new talents, strengthen grassroots development, and position Ghana for greater success at upcoming continental competitions.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
