If there is one sport discipline that many Ghanaians can rely on to win medals at the 13th African Games dubbed Accra 2023, then it is Boxing.
At past African Games and the Olympic Games, the boxers of Ghana have always performed into the medal zone.
The 13th African Games has brought another chance and platform, this time at home before familiar fans, family and friends.
Preparing the Black Bombers and Black Hitters (the female squad) has often been tough.
This time round, they had three months of non residential camping while training at the Accra Sports Stadium, before moving to Cape Coast for a month which gave boxers and officials a positive psych with the change of environment.
Now, they will be in the Games Village of the Accra 2023 on the campuses of University of Ghana, Legon from 12th February, 2024.
Boxing events will be held at the Bukom Boxing Arena, and fans are expected to fill the stands and cheer the boxers.
The African Games will herald other international competitions like the first World Qualifying Tournament Boxing Road to Paris – Busto Arsizio – Italy. (4 – 11 March, 2024).
Accra 2023 – 13th Africa Games, is from 15th – 23rd March, 2024.
Team Ghana has been fortified with Tokyo 2020 Bronze medalist Samuel Takyi, now fighting Light Welterweight -63.5Kg. Amadu Mohammed, Light Flyweight – Mohammed Aryeetey, Welterweight- Henry Malm, and British born Ghanaian Heavyweight -92Kg Mark Kojovi Ahondjo.
Ghana will parade a limited number of boxers (7 males & 2 Females) at the Italy qualifiers, while the others represent at the African Games.
Enterprising young Theo Allotey has promised a medal, same as Abu Kamoko, son of popular Bukom Banku who also wants to do better than his dad.
Experienced Abdul Wahid Omar also says fighting before home fans should inspire them to the medals zone.
Looking at the expressions of the boxers and coaches, it can be observed that they feel comfortable, confident and courageous.
Yours Truly wishes them success, by getting to the finals and grabbing the ultimate.
Coach Dr. Ofori Asare said they are set and ready to rumble, and wants massive support from Ghanaians.
By Sammy Heywood Okine