by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah has encouraged young people to actively participate in functional sports activities.
Highlighting the advantages of functional sports, she emphasized that it enhances physical fitness and provides engaging and dynamic experiences for participants and spectators alike.
As a member of the International Technical Officers of the Functional Sports League Ghana, Ms. Sampah outlined the numerous benefits of involvement, including opportunities for socialization and learning from diverse and resourceful individuals within the community.
She commended Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of the Ghana Functional Sports League, and Awal Mohammed, the winner of the inaugural national championships, held over two days at the Zulka Astro Turf Park and Idrowhyt Events Centre.
Beyond her advocacy, Ms. Sampah is a multi-talented individual—a teacher, photojournalist, producer, sports enthusiast, health advocate, philanthropist, and founder of the Wendy Foundation.
Functional sports, a specialized form of training, focus on enhancing athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injury by preparing the body for specific sports-related activities.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Former Youth and Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has called for a comprehensive overhaul of sports in Ghana following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana will not compete in the tournament, after finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points and no wins in six games.
Speaking to Channel One TV, Afriyie Ankrah expressed deep concern about the state of sports, particularly football, in Ghana. He highlighted a critical moment during Ghana’s campaign when Mohammed Kudus faced jeers from the crowd while taking a penalty.
“It was very, very sad, particularly when Kudus was going to take the penalty, and the crowd was jeering at him. I was so shocked,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s time for the whole country to take a closer look at the Black Stars, soccer, and sports as a whole. We need a reset.”
In the wake of Ghana’s disappointing performance, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has dissolved the Black Stars Management Committee, with the Executive Council set to decide on coach Otto Addo’s future soon.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International, Other Sports
Olympic champions Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands have been crowned as the 2024 World Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards held in Monaco. The prestigious honors followed a fan vote and celebrated exceptional performances in track, field, and out-of-stadium events.
Tebogo, who won multiple medals, including gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was named the Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, while Hassan, a standout in both track and road racing, received the Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year title and the overall women’s accolade.
Category Winners
Women’s World Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)
Men’s World Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA)
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR)
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Mondo Duplantis (SWE)
Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)
Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Tamirat Tola (ETH)
Women’s Rising Star: Sembo Almayew (ETH)
Men’s Rising Star: Mattia Furlani (ITA)
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the winners, stating, “These athletes have set new standards in their disciplines, showcasing the very best of our sport.”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
The boxing world is buzzing as Derrick Quaye, known as “Show Love,” challenges Ghana’s featherweight champion, Stanley Nyantekyi, also called the “Ashanti Warrior,” for a thrilling clash in the Super Featherweight division.
Dubbed the “Accra vs. Kumasi Boxing War,” this potential fight has fans and analysts excited. While Quaye, an undefeated super lightweight with a record of 6-0-1, is eager to prove his mettle, Nyantekyi, boasting a 10-1-0 record, sees this as an opportunity to solidify his reign.
Although both fighters have agreed verbally, the bout is awaiting a promoter to set the stage. Renowned sportswriters Prince Dornu-Leiku and Nii Otoe Von Cofie have labeled it a “must-see fight” that promises to be a crowd-puller.
Fans are particularly intrigued by this matchup as it presents a true test for Nyantekyi, who has yet to face a formidable opponent like Quaye. With Derrick Quaye’s impressive victory over veteran Michael Ansah, boxing enthusiasts believe this encounter will sell out and deliver fireworks in the ring.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian boxer Isaac Sackey, a two-time WBO Africa Super Bantamweight Champion, is set to challenge Mexico’s Alan Picasso Romero in a Super Bantamweight bout scheduled for December 14, 2024, in Mexico.
Sackey’s manager, Bernie Johnson, confirmed the fight and expressed confidence in Sackey’s preparation and ability to secure victory. “We are taking this December clash very seriously. We’re going to shock Mexico and make Ghana proud. This is not just another fight – we are ready to deliver in the ring,” he stated.
Isaac Sackey, 29, who trains at the Attoh Quarshie Gym in Jamestown, boasts an impressive record of 26 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, underscoring his experience and determination. His opponent, 24-year-old Alan Picasso Romero, holds an undefeated record of 30-0-1, making him one of Mexico’s top contenders.
Bernie Johnson described the upcoming fight as an exciting and challenging encounter, urging Sackey’s fans to rally behind him and pray for his victory as he aims to raise the Ghanaian flag high.
