Hundreds of fans from Tarkwa, Prestea, Axim, Sekondi, Takoradi, Wiawso, Bogoso and its environs on Saturday witnessed the biggest armwrestling competition in the history of region.
The hugely successful event which saw a fusion of entertainment and sports recorded high patronage and turnouts.
At the end of keenly contested battles at the Tarkwa Cyanide Park, James Dufuah emerged the Western Regional Champion in the men’s category whiles Grace Commey proved too strong and smart for her competitors to become the overall women’s champion.
In the President’s battle Derrick Kwakye from the Ashanti Region overpowered James Dufuah to win a special prize from Ghana Armwrestling Federation president Charles Osei Asibey.
Derrick Kwakye aka Asoka Gh defeated home favourite Papa Ackah to win the 90 kilograms category. Abdul Aziz won the ultimate in the male 80kg category after overcoming a spirited challenge from Asenda. Elliot Lamptey won the 60 kg category followed by Listowell Sampah and Samuel Gyamfi.
Speaking after the competition, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Charles Osei Asibey expressed delight with the turnout and level of talents showcased.
Charles Osei Asibey also expressed gratitude to Eagles Extra Stout and indicated that the federation will continue to embark on projects that will strengthen the sport at the grassroots level.
“I must say that the attendance was very massive and the performance encouragingly high.Am happy with the talents seen here. We will just continue to encourage them to play armwrestling. We have lived our mandate of encouraging people to play Armwrestling".
“I am also happy with the top executives who came around. We’ve had some discussions and beyond this event we are going to take armwrestling seriously. We as a federation, we are happy with what we saw here today. We thank Eagles Extra Stout from ABL for the support they have given us”, he said.
The winners received trophies, cash, t-shirts and other souvenirs from headline sponsors Eagles Extra Stout.
The event was also graced by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier League Medeama SC, reps from some of the mining companies in Tarkwa and powered by Eagle Extra Stout from Accra Breweries Limited.
Women Over All
1st Grace Commey
2nd Esther Tibu
3rd Ellen Osei
Men 60kg
1st Elliot Lamptey
2nd Listowel Sampah
3rd Samuel Gyamfi
Men 80kg
1st Abdul Aziz
2nd Asenda
3rd James Bond
Men 90+Kg
1st Derrick Kwakye
2nd Papa Ackah
3rd Kobby Boateng
Western Champion
James Dufuah