Derrick Kwakye, known in media cycles as ‘Asoka’, has been crowned the ‘Champion of Champions’ at the Eastern Regional edition of the Eagle Extra Stout Armwrestling Challenge which took place at Jackson Park in Koforidua over the weekend.
The most popular Jackson Park was brought to a standstill as thousands trooped to the venue to be part of the event held under the auspices of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF).
The night brought together some bigshots at Koforidua and its environs, including Michael Okyere Baafi of Ghana Free Zones Authority among others.
Comedian, Baba Spirit, was also there to add color to the event sponsored by the Accra Brewery Limited (ABL) through their Eagle Extra Stout brand.
In the female division, young Yasmin Kadri defeated Victoria Zatey to be crowned the female champion while Zatey received a silver medal with Rose Avanyo winning bronze at the end of the day.
In the men’s under 60kg, Elliot Lamptey won gold after pinning Listowell Lamptey -who won silver-, while Isaac Nii Amugi defeated Richard Tanye in the 70kg.
Edward Asamoah of Ghana Immigration Service proved his worth as captain of the team when he won gold in the men’s 90kg followed by Francis Adamavi, who won silver and Issa Kunya who won bronze.
The highlight for the night was the +100kg where Derrick Kwakye defeated Mark Antwi, also known as ‘Punisher’. SWAG Armwrestler for the year, Haruna Tahiru won bronze in the category.
President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Charles Osei Asibey, thanked the people of Koforidua for responding massively to their call and urged them to continue playing the sport.
He said the technical department of the federation will assess the performance of the participants and add deserving ones to the national armwrestling team as they prepare to defend their continental title in Mali.
On his part, John Baptiste Akado, Brand Manager for Eagle Extra Stout was elated at the level of organisation and turnout even after the heavy downpour and reiterated the brand’s support for the sport.
Kumasi will host the next Eagle Extra Stout Armwrestling Challenge in June.
By: Emmanuel Asante