In a bold step toward sustaining the rapid growth of armwrestling across the continent, President of the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), Mr. Charles Ossei Asibey, has launched a dedicated Armwrestling Academy and Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
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The initiative, which reflects his vision for grassroots development, aims to nurture the next generation of African armwrestling champions.
The Bootcamp, which officially kicked off at The Gym, Accra Sports Stadium, is open to children aged 10 to 16, as well as women and special athletes, creating an inclusive platform for early talent discovery and skill-building. Sessions will be held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Sports247, Mr. Asibey emphasized the urgent need for African countries to invest in youth development and create structured entry points into the sport.
“We are doing this in Ghana, and I am calling on all presidents of Armwrestling Federations across Africa to do the same,” he said. “The future of armwrestling lies in the grassroots. If we want to dominate on the world stage, we must start early and build strong foundations.”
The AFA President, who also heads the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, noted that the academy would not only train athletes but also instill discipline, fitness, and confidence in young participants. By targeting women and special athletes, the program also seeks to promote inclusivity and diversity in the sport.
Mr. Asibey praised the support of stakeholders and encouraged more partnerships with educational institutions, private sponsors, and government bodies to expand the reach of the program.
This initiative comes at a time when armwrestling is gaining tremendous traction across Africa, with the upcoming 14th Africa Armwrestling and 7th Para-Armwrestling Championship set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria in July 2025. Asibey’s leadership continues to inspire structural development and long-term planning for a sport that is fast becoming a continental force.
With the launch of the Armwrestling Academy in Accra, Ghana is setting the pace — and the message to other nations is clear: develop the grassroots, grow the sport, and shape the future.
