Over 200 athletes will vie for glory and the chance to represent their country in international competitions at the South African Armwrestling Championships at Laerskool Concordia in Boksburg. The competition kicked off yesterday (Friday) and will continue today (Saturday).
The event, hosted by the South African Armwrestling Federation (SAAF), was officially opened by Charles Osei Asibey, the president of the Africa Armwrestling Federation, and a vice-president of the World Armwrestling Federation.
“South Africa is one of the sanctuaries of armwrestling in the world, but the country is yet to play its full role on the international stage.
“In recent years decisive steps have been taken to ensure that South Africa’s athletes have access to competition at the highest levels, and this year’s national championship will be another milestone,” says Asibey, who will be meeting with sports leaders in South Africa in an attempt to drum up support for armwrestling.
According to SAAF president Rosemary Botha, the growth in armwrestling in South Africa is unprecedented, with over 40 clubs now operating in eight provinces.
“Last year for the first time we were able to send a team to the Africa Games in Ghana, and win medals, and I think the fact that South Africa’s top arm wrestlers can now attain protea colours has been a massive boost,” said Botha, adding that the easy accessibility of the sport has been another factor in its rapid growth.
“It does not require specialised sporting equipment to train, and there’s a welcoming, family- oriented culture in the sport, with divisions for youth, women, men and disabled athletes in regular competitions,” she added.
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