By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Nov. 09, GNA – Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, has announced plans to honour Ghana’s national armwrestling team, the Golden Arms, following their historic performance at the World Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi, India.
The team returned home after winning an unprecedented eight medals, comprising four gold and four silver medals, marking a successful global medal haul by the Ghanaian armwrestling team.
Welcoming the team, Mr Adams praised the athletes for raising Ghana’s flag high on the international stage and assured them of government recognition for their achievement.
“I really want to appreciate you on behalf of His Excellency the President, the Vice President and the government in its entirety for what you have done. You have registered Ghana on the world map when it comes to armwrestling,” he said.
The Minister said Ghana was repeatedly mentioned throughout the competition because of the team’s outstanding performance and pledged that the athletes would be celebrated in a manner befitting their accomplishment.
“We want to organise a proper evening of honour where we will meet and celebrate all of you for what you have done. We want to honour you in the way athletes love to be honoured,” he added.
Mr Adams also commended the leadership of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) for its talent identification and development efforts, which continue to produce world-class athletes.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President of the GAF and President of the Armwrestling Federation of Africa, described the achievement as a landmark moment for the sport in Ghana.
“We knew we would return home with good news because of the work we had done. From the masters to the juniors, the athletes delivered and we finished the championship with eight medals,” he said.
He thanked the Sports Ministry for its continued support and assured the Minister of the federation’s commitment to achieving greater success.
“This is monumental and historic. Ghana must reward and celebrate these armwrestlers for their tenacity. They have truly earned the name Golden Arms,” Mr Asibey stated.
Ghana’s medal-winning campaign began in the Masters division, where Dodzi Asinu won silver in the Men’s 110kg right-arm event with African champion Grace Minta winning two silver medals in the Women’s 80kg class in both the left-arm and right-arm events.
The team’s fortunes improved in the youth category as Mabel Yeboah and Blessed Abeka Nunoo won gold medals in their respective left-arm weight divisions to become world champions.
Florence Boakye Mensah added a silver medal in the Women’s +80kg left-arm category.
Silver-medallist Dodzi Asinu attributed the team’s success to intensive preparations and determination.
“We put in a lot of effort during preparations, and, by the grace of God, we were able to achieve these results,” he said.
The Golden Arms’ participation at the championship was supported by the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Nimesh Pharma, Kofata Motors and Shoe Fabriek.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]