by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Athletics, Ghana, Other Sports
The 2024 Afrofit Fitness Competition qualifiers will take place this Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Greystone Gym in Dansoman, Accra. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of the Functional Fitness Ghana Federation, announced that competitors who excel in the qualifiers will earn a place in the finals at Aburi Gardens, with a chance to claim the titles of Mr. and Ms. Afrofit.
In addition to the titles, winners will receive exciting prizes and a chance to qualify for the Functional Sports Tournament National Championship. Ansah emphasized the importance of fitness for a healthy lifestyle and encouraged widespread community participation.
He also highlighted that the Dansoman community is fortunate to have access to the well-equipped Greystone Gym, a premier facility for health and fitness training.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 29, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
All six of Ghana’s Black Rockets, representing the nation at the IBA World Youth Boxing Championship, fell short of securing medals, despite strong performances. According to sources close to the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), the young boxers showed impressive skill, but ultimately faced narrow losses when results were announced.
In one case, Coach Charles Quartey sought clarity from officials, questioning the outcome of a match he believed his boxer had won. The decisions by referees and judges have prompted several experts in Ghanaian boxing to suggest that the GBF consider leaving the IBA for World Boxing, citing concerns about bias.
Coach Rashid Williams, also known as ‘Believer,’ voiced his frustration, asserting that the IBA often favors certain countries and boxers, compromising fair play and failing to reward the most deserving athletes.
The Black Rockets’ team included Francis Quartey, Desmond Pappoe, Levy Ankrah, Ebenezer Ankrah, Mathias Ashitey, and George Dowuona. GBF Vice President Alhaji Dauda Fuseni praised their efforts, insisting the young boxers performed admirably. Fuseni emphasized that the GBF remains committed to developing their skills and aims to secure international opportunities to further their growth.
“We will keep them together and train harder because they are all champions in their own right,” he affirmed.
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.”
