Traditional wrestling: Ghana, Niger draw

Ghanaian traditional wrestlers were held to a draw by their Nigerien counterparts in an international friendly combat staged at the Kawukudi Youth Cultural Centre at Nima in Accra last Sunday.

Both countries scored two points apiece in the team event but Niger took the top honours in the individuals category.

Nigerien Ouseni Issa, who led Niger, floored Isaac Asimaning in the 80kg to 85 kg category to give the visitors their first win.

Jubiru Garba of Niger also wrestled down his compatriot Shaibu Adamu to win the 70kg final.

In the 60kg category, Niger’s Rahidu Osman beat Harissu Salifu, also from Niger, in the final to be crowned champion.

The competition, watched by the Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) in charge of technical, Mr Saka Acquaye, president of the Ghana Wrestling Association, Dzaka Ameyi, and Vice Master Norbert Amefu, drew a large crowd to the centre.

Mr Ameyi later congratulated

the participants for theirs kills and brawn and announced that the competition would be an annual affair.

Mr Amefu also told the Graphic Sports that the competition would be expanded to attract more wrestlers, while awarding more lucrative prizes to the winners.

The winners and runners-up received cash prizes and medals.