by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Ghana, International, Other Sports
The ‘Game of Legends’ Taekwondo event, hosted by Maxi Lane Taekwondo Academy, is set to take place at the Korean Sports Complex in Tema Community 3 on Saturday, November 9, 2024, beginning at 8:00 AM. The event will feature a variety of Taekwondo competitions including Poomsea, weapons handling, sparring, and exciting demonstrations.
Participants, aged 7 to 12, will engage in age-based contests and will showcase skills in areas like Taekwondo aerobics, archery, quiz rounds, ladder & cone activities, refereeing, and commentary. Sensei Max Lee, the chief organizer and head of the Academy, emphasized the importance of this event in educating the public about the sport and cultural values of Taekwondo.
Sensei Lee has called on companies to support Taekwondo, highlighting its benefits in promoting discipline, self-defense, and physical fitness. He also encouraged media outlets to help increase visibility for Taekwondo in Ghana, as interest in the sport is steadily growing.
The event is supported by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International, Other Sports
South Africa’s Bgirl Courtnae Paul and Benin’s Bboy Smith claimed the top honors in the female and male categories at the 2024 Afro Break International Championship, held in Accra, Ghana. This dynamic event featured competitors from 20 African nations, including France’s Bgirl Syssy, the recent World Youth Champion from China.
The Afrobreak International Africa Final 2024 was a landmark event, building awareness of breaking as a sport, especially following its debut at the Paris Olympics. Leading up to the finals, the competition for the top eight spots included Bgirls Sandrine, Yallmeetcruxy, Neeja Roberta, Courtnae Paul, Vibe, Trisnaomi, Change, and Vikz in the women’s category. In the men’s category, Bboys Kidtribe, Nagi, Drift, Smoke, Youri, Smith, Harry.Aime, Ame, Blesso, Beast, Extramoov, Delkrimoff, Omar Breakboyz, Secrets, Billowise, and Babou vied for top positions.
Following intense rounds in the final stages, Bboy Smith won the judges’ approval, thrilling the crowd and raising hopes for more such events across Accra.
Nana Tufour Okai, known as Bboy Lyricx and President of Ghana’s Breaking Federation, expressed gratitude to sponsors such as the KGL Foundation, the Ghana Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority, and the French Embassy in Ghana. He emphasized the need for greater support and involvement, especially in schools and colleges, to further promote breaking as a sport.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghana’s rising boxing star, John Abaja Laryea, also known as the “Expensive Boxer,” is set to make his U.S. debut against Nicaragua’s Alexander Meija this Friday in Orlando, Florida. The two-time WBO Africa featherweight champion left Accra last week alongside his coach, Lawrence Carl Lokko, determined to put on a stellar performance and elevate his status on the global stage. With the support of his manager, Sammy Anim Addo, and a dedicated fanbase, Laryea is confident he’ll secure a decisive victory.
Speaking to Graphic Sports prior to his trip, the 22-year-old featherweight boxer was unwavering in his confidence. “There’s no pressure. I’ll handle my business quickly and return,” Laryea stated, promising a fast and emphatic end to the match.
With a professional record of 13 wins, including 11 knockouts, and just one split draw, Laryea has consistently proven his talent since his debut in October 2018. His impressive career saw him clinch the Ghana featherweight title in March 2021 with a third-round stoppage of Kamarudeen Boyefio. He soon went on to capture the WBO Africa title, overcoming Namibia’s Sebastianus Natanael in a fourth-round stoppage after a ringside doctor intervened.
Though he briefly lost his continental belt due to a period of inactivity, Laryea reclaimed it by stopping Solomon Martey in April last year. Following successive defenses against Gabriel Odoi Laryea and Isaac Duwuona, Laryea now sees this U.S. debut as his opportunity to launch his American career.
“There’s no challenge too big, not even the weather. I’m ready to show the world what I’m made of,” he said, thanking his fans for their unwavering support. Promising to make Ghana proud, Laryea assured, “I’ll give them everything they expect in the ring. Watch out; this won’t last long.”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
In a significant development for armwrestling in Ghana and Africa, the Ghana Armwrestling Federation is set to establish a modern training center and office space. At a meeting held at Jubilee House, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting armwrestling, recognizing the federation’s hard work in elevating Ghana’s reputation in the sport.
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Borteyman Sports Complex would be made available for armwrestling training and competitions, along with space for a new federation office. He highlighted Ghana’s leadership in African sports, with three Ghanaians, including Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, holding prominent continental sports positions. The minister also encouraged Mr. Asibey to advocate for armwrestling’s inclusion as an Olympic sport.
Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, president of the Ghana and Africa Armwrestling Federation, expressed gratitude for the government’s support and vowed to continue growing the sport in Ghana and beyond. To date, the federation has won a remarkable total of 350 international medals.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Don Charles, the trainer of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, has advised Anthony Joshua to avoid a rematch with Dubois, expressing concern for Joshua’s health. Dubois retained his title with a decisive victory over Joshua on September 21, knocking him down multiple times before the fight was stopped in the fifth round at Wembley.
With the IBF recently setting an April 22, 2025 deadline for a potential rematch, Joshua, along with his promoter Eddie Hearn, has indicated interest in a comeback to reclaim his world championship. However, speaking in Accra, Ghana, during a visit to the Bronx Boxing Club, Charles—who previously trained Joshua for five years—stressed that a rematch would be a mistake. “I don’t want him near Daniel Dubois. He’s my boy, but they’re risking his health,” Charles emphasized.
Dubois, currently riding a three-fight win streak after his controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year, may have a shot at an undisputed title, contingent on Usyk’s upcoming rematch against Tyson Fury.
During his visit to Ghana, Charles joined local boxing figures, including Lawrence Carl Lokko, for an open training event at the Bronx Boxing gym. Charles also announced a partnership with the gym to facilitate future UK training camps for Ghanaian boxers and donated training equipment as a gesture of support. Reflecting on his return to Africa, Charles said, “I feel blessed to be able to help and support the talent here. This is for the long-term.”
