by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
Organisers of the Beijing half marathon are currently probing allegations that three African athletes intentionally allowed China’s prominent runner, He Jie, to win Sunday’s race.
Video footage surfaced suggesting that Kenya’s Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, along with Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu, pointed towards the finish line, slowed down, and waved He past them. Consequently, He, 25, clinched victory by a mere one-second margin ahead of the trio, who ultimately tied for second place.
The outcome sparked criticism from some Chinese social media users, prompting the Beijing Sports Bureau to launch an investigation. A spokesperson stated to AFP that they are looking into the incident and will disclose the findings to the public once concluded.
He Jie, who triumphed in the 2023 Asian Games with a time of one hour, three minutes, and 44 seconds, is sponsored by Xstep, a Chinese sports brand. Xstep, in partnership with He, is currently in the process of confirming and verifying the situation.
He, a 25-year-old marathon gold medalist from the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, holds his country’s record in the event. However, none of the implicated runners have issued statements regarding the incident.
Chinese social media platform Weibo has been abuzz with discussions about the race, with one comment deeming it “the most embarrassing title of He Jie’s career” garnering over 1,000 likes. Another post lamented the situation, stating, “With such a reputable organiser and prestigious event, this incident truly tarnishes the spirit of sportsmanship.”
by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
Boston’s streets were packed with half a million enthusiastic fans eagerly awaiting the start of the Boston Marathon, which featured 30,000 runners from around the globe.
Sisay Lemma, 34, from Ethiopia, emerged triumphant in the men’s marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:06:17. As he completed the race, Lemma collapsed, overwhelmed by a mix of relief, joy, and exhaustion.
Having arrived in Boston as the 2021 London champion and boasting the fastest time in the field, Lemma became only the fourth person ever to break the 2:02:00 barrier when he won in Valencia the previous year.
The world record remains held by Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Kenya earlier this year after posting a time of 2:00:35 at Chicago’s marathon.
On the women’s side, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri secured victory for the second consecutive year. Obiri defended her title with a time of 2:22:37, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Catherine Ndereba achieved the feat in 2004 and 2005.
The 128th edition of the historic race saw representation from all 50 US states and nearly 130 countries. Approximately 500,000 fans were anticipated to line the streets of Boston in support of the event.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | AFCON, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghanaian boxers are gearing up to participate in the final Olympic Qualifier set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, as confirmed by JoySports.
The Sports Ministry has given its approval for the tournament scheduled from May 22 to June 2, 2024. Dr. Ornella Sathoud, a middle-weight boxer based in the United States, will join six other members of the Black Bombers team, yet to be selected, for the upcoming event.
Ghana is eagerly anticipating its first boxing slot for the Paris Olympic Games after previous attempts fell short. Despite participation in two previous qualifiers, Ghana’s boxers have been unable to secure qualification. In the Senegal qualifying tournament last year, twelve boxers from Ghana failed to secure any slots.
In March, seven Ghanaian boxers vied for 49 available slots in the first Olympic Qualifier of the year. However, the Black Bombers team members, including Samuel Takyi, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, Alfred Kotei, Jonathan Tetteh, and Leicester-born Mark Kojovi Ahondao, were unsuccessful in securing spots. Additionally, the Black Hitters pair, Janet Ackah and Warrant Officer Anatu Mohammed, also failed to qualify.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Abraham Neequaye, the President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, has provided insight into the contentious decision made during the bout between Ghana’s Bastie Samir and Nigerian Rasheed Idowu. Despite Samir being knocked out in a UBO light heavyweight title fight in Accra over the weekend, the judges declared a technical draw, citing concerns for safety.
Samir suffered a knockdown in the second round and was unable to recover before the referee halted the bout. While it was expected that Idowu would be declared the winner by Technical Knockout (TKO), the decision to declare a technical draw left spectators puzzled.
Neequaye clarified that the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) would officially recognize Idowu as the winner.
He explained, “The decision was not made lightly. It was made with the safety of the spectators in mind. Despite the clear outcome of the fight, we had to consider the volatile atmosphere and the potential risk to lives.”
Neequaye emphasized that the matter has been communicated to the UBO for their review and decision. He assured that the true results have been conveyed to the international body, who will determine the official outcome of the fight.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Five Asante Kotoko fans accused of assaulting match officials during a Ghana Premier League match have been granted bail by a court in Kumasi. The suspects, identified as Anthony Twum Barima, Habib Moro, George Aduko (popularly known as Adongo), Baba Iddi, and Yaw Bediako (nicknamed Osebo), appeared before Circuit Court 1 in Asokwa on April 9, 2024.
Presiding Judge His Honour Obiri Kyere granted each of the accused bail in the amount of GH¢30,000, with one surety to be justified, after they pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and assault.
The arrests came after the five individuals allegedly attacked match officials during the game between Asante Kotoko and Nations FC. The suspects, purported supporters of Asante Kotoko, will return to court on May 3, 2024, for Case Management Conference (CMC).
Following Asante Kotoko’s 1-0 defeat at home to Nations FC, rioting fans stormed the pitch and assaulted Referee James Taylor, his two assistants Kwesi Brobbey and Roland Addy, and fourth official Hasim Yakubu.
The Ghana Football Association’s Safety and Security Committee is taking proactive steps to address hooliganism at football matches, and the arrest and prosecution of these individuals are part of these efforts. The GFA is committed to enforcing relevant regulations and ensuring a safe match-day environment for players, officials, supporters, and all involved in the sport.
