By Francis Ofori
Accra, Aug 01, GNA-The National Armwrestling team, Golden Arms, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation following their recent success at the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The visit, led by the federation’s leadership was to present medals won and also to thank the Ministry for the continuous support.
Ghana, a dominant force on the continent came third after sweeping a total of 53 medals in both the left and right arm events.
Mr. Kofi Adams, addressing the team, noted that Armwrestling, despite limited funding has emerged as one of the fastest-growing federations in Ghana.
He recalled the team’s outstanding performance at the 13th African Games, a moment of national pride that he had long admired even before taking office.
He stressed that Armwrestling was part of the discipline’s government was keenly monitoring in the forthcoming continental games in Egypt.
The Sports Minister commended the team for the efforts, and urged the heads of security services to consider recruiting athletes into their various agencies.
Mr. Kofi Adams said his Ministry, together with the International Olympic Committee is in discussions to follow the appropriate procedures to get lesser known sports like Armwrestling in future Olympic events.
The Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency pledged government’s support for Armwrestling and called on corporate Ghana to also extend the necessary support to federations.
Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President, Ghana Armwrestling Federation, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his desire to see the growth Armwrestling both in Ghana’s and across the continent.
He said despite the progress of the sport, the team continues to struggle with the lack of a dedicated training center to adequately prepare for major championships.
He again applauded the Minister for advocating the recruitment of athletes into security services.
The GAF President said that with the needed support from government, winning medals will be guaranteed.
The Golden Arms, since 2016 have won 405 International medals in less than 20 championships.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade