Accra: The city will be the center of attraction as about 350 athletes from 21 countries in Africa converge for the 15th edition of the Africa Armwrestling Championship.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, which will be held at the Borteyman Sports Complex on May 1-2, 2026, will bring together the continent's most elite pullers in a bid to secure continental glory, ranking points, and most importantly, qualification for the 2027 African Games. The championship is being held under the theme 'Pulling Africa Together,' emphasizing the role of sports in fostering regional integration and unity among member states.
The championship has attracted a diverse field of competitors, and traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Mali, Nigeria, and South Africa have already named their full squads, signaling their intention to dominate the podium. These nations, known for their long-standing dominance in the sport, are expected to provide stiff competition for the Ghana national Armwrestling team, The Golden Arms.
However, this year's edition also sees the emergence of new forces in the Armwrestling arena. Strong delegations from Benin, Mauritius, Cameroon, Central Africa, Kenya, Eswatini, Burundi, Niger, Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire, and Togo have arrived in town, with sports analysts predicting that these 'underdog' nations could cause significant upsets. The arrival of South Africa and Benin, in particular, adds a fresh competitive edge to the southern and West Africa representation of the tournament.
Beyond the physical competition, the organizers have placed a heavy emphasis on the 'Pulling Africa Together' initiative. The theme reflects the sport's unique requirement of two athletes locking hands, a symbolic gesture of connection and mutual respect.
According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the event serves as a platform to bridge cultural gaps and strengthen the bond between African nations through fair play. Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed readiness for the showdown.
Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of Ghana and Africa Armwrestling, commended various partners, especially the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority, National Petroleum Authority, National Health Insurance Authority, Bethel Logistics, Verna Water, Kofikrom Pharmacy Limited, Stanbic Bank, Kofata Motors, Royal Dach Pharmacy, IMAH Hospital, Event Factory, Awards Center, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and the Ghana Tourism Authority for their unflinching support towards the championship.
On his part, Mr. Kenneth Odeng Adade, the Chief Operations Officer for the championship, indicated that Borteyman Complex has been fitted with international-standard Armwrestling tables and electronic systems to ensure a seamless experience. Security and medical protocols have also been heightened to accommodate the influx of international visitors and fans.
As the competition officially kicks off, the 'Golden Arms' of Ghana will be looking to leverage home-court advantage against the technical prowess of the Egyptians and the raw power of the Nigerians. With the 'new forces' from Benin and South Africa also in the mix, Accra is set for an unforgettable sporting spectacle.