by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
Controversy has reignited over Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif after a purportedly leaked report suggested she may be biologically male, leading to renewed calls for her medal to be revoked. Khelif, along with fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan, faced scrutiny after competing in the Paris Olympics despite previous issues with gender eligibility tests at the 2023 World Championships. Although both athletes claimed top medals in their categories, the recent report, allegedly authored by French and Algerian medical experts, suggests Khelif exhibits “male characteristics.”
Following the report’s surfacing, public figures like Piers Morgan and Martina Navratilova expressed outrage on social media, calling for the IOC to strip Khelif’s medal. Morgan tweeted his 8.8 million followers, insisting, “The gold medal should now be stripped and awarded to the best actual woman.” Navratilova echoed his sentiment, saying many people had previously voiced concerns only to face backlash.
Sports commentator Laura Woods also weighed in, advocating for the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, though not at the expense of fairness or safety in women’s categories, calling for “protected categories” to uphold these principles. Woods revealed her strong stance on gender eligibility in sports had cost her friendships.
Despite the criticism, Khelif has firmly asserted her identity, stating, “I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman,” and has described her critics as “enemies of success.” Khelif’s lawyer in Paris, Nabil Boudi, has since confirmed a lawsuit was filed with French authorities regarding defamatory remarks on her gender.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 6, 2024 | Athletics, Ghana, Other Sports
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) officially launched the mascot and logo for the 2024 Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games, marking the start of the countdown to the event, scheduled for January 3-18, 2025. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, unveiled the mascot, “Oguaa Suapon Okori,” designed by UCC staff members Nathaniel Ampah and Mrs. Lauren Doku, emphasizing that it represents UCC’s spirit and commitment to excellence in sports.
With the theme, “Repositioning university sports for national development,” the GUSA Games aim to bring together students from public universities across Ghana to compete and demonstrate their talents in various sports. Prof. Boampong stressed that university sports play a crucial role in fostering unity, discipline, and excellence and are vital in nurturing future leaders and innovators. He noted that sports develop values such as teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, all key drivers for national progress.
Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, President of GUSA, praised UCC’s dedication to preparing facilities that inspire and support athletes to reach their full potential. Prof. Rosemond Boohene, Pro Vice Chancellor and Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, highlighted the extensive efforts already invested in logistics and venue preparations, calling the games a celebration of competition, resilience, and academic growth.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 6, 2024 | Athletics, Ghana, Other Sports
The Ghana Armed Forces secured a commanding victory at the Ghana Athletics Open Championship, hosted by the Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) at the University of Ghana Stadium. Over the two-day event, Armed Forces emerged as champions in both men’s and women’s competitions, sweeping nearly all of the 15 men’s and 12 women’s events.
National sprint star Mary Boakye took gold in the women’s 100m and 200m, while Shaibu Marizuk mirrored her achievement in the men’s division. The Armed Forces tallied 327 points in the men’s competition, outpacing Ghana Immigration, which placed second with 76 points, and Ghana Prisons, which finished third with 57 points. In the women’s competition, Armed Forces amassed 198 points, followed by Ghana Immigration with 63 points and Ghana Prisons with 37 points.
This championship, organized by Ghana Athletics (GA) in collaboration with SESSA and the University of Ghana Sports Directorate, aims to revive the once-popular SESSA Games for security services after a decade-long hiatus.
While Armed Forces dominated most events, a few titles went to other agencies: Prisons’ Sadiq Aloo and Reina Tuolong of Fire Service won the men’s and women’s 800m, respectively. GRA-Customs’ Faustina Owusu claimed the women’s discus title, and Prisons’ Alhassan Ridwan and Ezequeen Dadzie took the shot put golds. David Nakuosi also bested Armed Forces’ runners in the men’s 1,500m, though Armed Forces claimed gold in the 400m for both men and women, along with other track and field events, such as the 1500m, 5000m, hurdles, high jump, long jump, javelin, and relay races.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 6, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International, Other Sports
Two men have been sentenced to 35 years each for the murder of Ugandan Olympic steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat in Eldoret, Kenya. Kiplagat, known for his prowess in the 3,000m steeplechase and holder of Uganda’s national record, was tragically killed on New Year’s Eve last year in Eldoret—a prominent training hub for athletes. Justice Reuben Nyakundi, who presided over the case, condemned the actions of Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, stating that they had committed a cruel, premeditated act against a defenseless person.
CCTV footage showed the two men following Kiplagat before launching the fatal attack. The court heard an emotional plea from Kiplagat’s mother, who had requested life sentences for the perpetrators. She highlighted her son’s journey from running barefoot to becoming an international competitor and the family’s main supporter. While the court did not impose life sentences, Kiplagat’s family expressed relief at the justice served.
Kiplagat competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics, inspiring many with his dedication and resilience.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 5, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
A thrilling battle awaits boxing fans on November 24 at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where Bukom’s own Isaac “Jungle King” Commey will take on Sampson “Mama’s Boy” Segbedzi of Ashaiman for both the Ghana national and UBO Africa welterweight titles.
Segbedzi, a former UBO titleholder, lost his bid for the national title in a dramatic, no-contest decision against Isaac Aryee last December. Despite calling for the decision to be overturned, he shifted focus and secured a comeback victory over Samuel Late Lartey this September, paving the way for this high-stakes clash.
Commey, unbeaten since his debut loss in 2022, is confident in his training and preparation. His manager, Evans Bernie-Johnson, assured fans of a decisive win, urging them to arrive early for what he predicts will be an “early night” for Segbedzi.
Segbedzi, backed by a loyal fanbase from Ashaiman, promises a fierce contest, declaring his readiness to answer Commey’s challenge with a fight to remember.
