by Silas Boahene | Apr 10, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
The Black Bombers, Ghana’s national boxing team, finds itself in a precarious position as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand, next month.
Despite the looming uncertainty surrounding their participation, Coach Kwasi Ofori Asare has wasted no time in initiating training sessions with his boxers starting today.
Acknowledging the uncertainty regarding Ghana’s involvement in the qualifiers scheduled from May 23 to June 3, which represents the final opportunity for boxers to secure one of the 51 spots for Paris 2024, Coach Asare emphasized the importance of being prepared. He stressed the necessity of training regardless of the uncertainty to ensure they are ready should they receive the green light from the boxing authorities.
“We may not have confirmation yet for our participation in Bangkok, but it’s crucial that we train and prepare diligently in case we do get the go-ahead,” Coach Asare explained in an interview with the Graphic Sports on Sunday, April 7.
In the event that the team is permitted to compete, Coach Asare stated that priority would be given to members of the Black Bombers who achieved success at the recent African Games in Ghana.
“We already have a core group within the Black Bombers, so selecting a team for Bangkok shouldn’t pose much of a challenge,” he assured.
Despite Ghanaian boxers’ failure to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics in previous qualifying events in Dakar and Italy, Coach Asare remains hopeful about their chances in Bangkok.
Optimism persists within the team, with Coach Asare expressing confidence that the necessary funds will be secured to facilitate the team’s participation in the qualifiers.
He dismissed rumors suggesting that Abubakar Kamoko, a light-heavyweight boxer and one of Ghana’s medallists at the African Games, had been excluded from consideration for the Bangkok qualifiers.
Regarding the inclusion of Mohammed Aryeetey, a gold medallist at the African Games, Coach Asare clarified that Aryeetey’s inclusion was not based on favoritism. Instead, he emphasized that Aryeetey was considered despite not participating in the national championship, which served as the qualifying event for the African Games.
“Aryeetey’s inclusion was a decision made based on careful consideration, not mere favoritism,” Coach Asare concluded.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 10, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Timothy Kantanka, the captain of Ghana’s Futsal National Team, has announced the team’s readiness for the 2024 Futsal African Cup of Nations, set to commence in Morocco this Thursday.
Ghana finds itself in Group A alongside Zambia, Angola, and the host nation, Morocco, marking its return to the tournament after a hiatus since 1996.
Under Kantanka’s leadership, the team clinched a historic qualification for the tournament by overturning a 4-0 deficit from the first leg against Ivory Coast.
After thorough preparations and engaging in pre-tournament friendly matches, Kantanka expresses confidence that the team will make Ghana proud during the competition.
“Our preparations have been comprehensive, and we are fully prepared for the tournament. We are aiming for victory. Our ultimate goal is to secure qualification for the World Cup, and then we can set our sights on lifting the trophy,” Kantanka affirmed.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 10, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has expressed admiration for former Black Stars Captain, Asamoah Gyan, pledging full support for the upcoming All Regional Games. At the media launch of this groundbreaking sports project in Accra’s La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, President Okraku emphasized the GFA’s dedication to providing technical assistance to the event’s organizers.
The brainchild of Asamoah Gyan, the All Regional Games will witness trials across regions in June, identifying top talents for the national championships slated for November 2024. To generate awareness, a regional tour is scheduled from April 16.
This much-anticipated event encompasses nine disciplines, including football, volleyball, table tennis, arm-wrestling, athletics, boxing, tennis, basketball, and e-sports.
President Okraku, in his address, hailed Asamoah Gyan’s illustrious career and lauded his contributions beyond football into various sporting domains. He affirmed the GFA’s unwavering support for the All Regional Games, emphasizing its alignment with the association’s development goals.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, President Okraku envisioned a platform where young talents, akin to the likes of Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan, would emerge and represent Ghana on the global stage.
Linking the event’s objectives with the GFA’s focus areas, President Okraku emphasized the importance of nurturing talent from grassroots levels, a mission that resonates with the All Regional Games.
Encouraging widespread participation, President Okraku stressed the collaborative effort required for the event’s success, urging collective involvement and dedication from all stakeholders.
In closing, President Okraku extended gratitude to sporting legends in attendance and urged the media to support the All Regional Games fervently, underscoring its pivotal role in fostering sports development in Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 10, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
After enduring the harsh terrain and challenges along the way, runner Russ Cook achieved a significant milestone on Sunday as he reached the northernmost point of Africa. Nearly a year had passed since he embarked on his ambitious journey from the southern tip of the continent, cheered on by a crowd of supporters who had gathered on a rocky outcrop beside the Mediterranean in northern Tunisia. Over the course of 352 days, the 27-year-old charity fundraiser from Worthing, England, covered more than 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) spanning 16 countries.
Reflecting on his remarkable feat, Cook, also known as Hardest Geezer on social media, admitted to feeling a bit tired—an understatement given the trials he faced. From traversing jungles to crossing deserts, navigating conflict zones, and overcoming setbacks such as theft, injury, and visa complications, his journey was fraught with challenges. Despite originally aiming to complete the run in 240 days, unforeseen obstacles tested his endurance along the way.
Cook’s resilience and commitment to his cause, however, remained unwavering. Having previously undertaken a 3,000-kilometer run from Istanbul to Worthing in 68 days, he viewed his African run as an opportunity to raise funds for two charities close to his heart: the Running Charity, which supports homeless youth, and Sandblast, aiding displaced individuals from Western Sahara. His efforts garnered immense support, with donations exceeding 690,000 pounds ($870,000).
As he embarked on the final leg of his journey, Cook expressed gratitude for the backing he received from supporters worldwide, acknowledging the sacrifices made during his time away from loved ones. Despite the toll it took on his body, he remained resolute, emphasizing his determination to press on.
Plans for a celebratory gathering awaited Cook at the finish line, complete with performances by British band Soft Play and indulgent treats like strawberry daiquiris on the beach. For him, the culmination of 352 days on the road symbolized not just the end of a grueling journey, but a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and the collective support of communities coming together for a greater cause.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 8, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
The highly anticipated inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup is scheduled to take place from April 15th to April 21st at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. Named in honor of the revered South African leader, Nelson Mandela, the event has garnered the blessing of his family.
Organized jointly by the IBA (International Boxing Association), the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC), and the South African Boxing Organization (SANABO), the tournament will showcase 12 women’s and 13 men’s weight categories.
Chris Roberts OBE, the Secretary General and CEO of IBA, expressed his delight in announcing the commencement of the Mandela African Boxing Cup. He emphasized the significance of naming the competition after one of the world’s most influential figures, Nelson Mandela, as a mark of respect and admiration.
Roberts further encouraged participating teams to draw inspiration from Mandela’s dedication to boxing and to honor his legacy by establishing the Mandela Cup as an annual tradition.
During his incarceration under apartheid rule, Nelson Mandela found solace and discipline in the sport of boxing, considering it “egalitarian” for its ability to unite people regardless of race, religion, or wealth. The Thembekile Mandela Foundation, in collaboration with IBA and led by Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, supports the tournament.
Siyabulela Mkwalo, President of SANABO, hailed the significance of hosting the event in South Africa, emphasizing Mandela’s pivotal role in the country’s fight against apartheid and his advocacy for global peace and stability. Mkwalo expressed optimism that the tournament would serve as an educational and inspirational platform for aspiring African boxers.
With over 360 boxers from 41 nations expressing interest in participating, the Mandela African Boxing Cup is poised to be a landmark event in the world of boxing, celebrating both sporting excellence and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
