The first torchbearer, 2020 Olympic rowing gold medallist Stephanos Ntouskos, receives the flame from Greek actress Mary Mina. GETTY IMAGES

The sacred flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was lit on Tuesday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises.

"In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city-states, even - and especially - in times of war and conflict," said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the whole world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes send a powerful message: yes, it is possible to compete fiercely against each other and at the same time live together peacefully under one roof," he added.

Because of cloudy weather, Greek actresses dressed as ancient priestesses used a flame lit in a rehearsal on Monday at the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera, near the stadium where the Olympics were born in 776 BC.

Carrying the flame in a pot, Greek actress Mary Mina lit the torch for the first bearer, 2020 Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos. Retired French swimmer Laure Manaudou, who won her first gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, followed as France's first Olympic torchbearer.

Officials insisted on Tuesday that the Paris Games will set new milestones, following in the footsteps of the two previous Olympics held in the French capital. "The Olympic Flame will shine over the first Olympic Games inspired from start to finish by the reforms of our Olympic Agenda," Bach insisted.

"These Olympic Games will be younger, more inclusive, more urban and more sustainable. They will be the first ever Olympic Games with full gender parity, because the IOC has allocated exactly 50 per cent of the places to female and male athletes," he stressed.

The President of the Paris Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, Tony Estanguet, also saw the forthcoming Games as "more than ever a force of inspiration (...) for all of us and for future generations".

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced toned-down events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Games, the ceremony returned to full regalia and a large crowd.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo were among those in attendance. American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato sang the Olympic anthem.

The torch dates back to the ancient Olympics, when a sacred flame burned throughout the Games, a tradition that was revived for the 1936 Games in Berlin. During the 11-day relay on Greek soil, some 600 torchbearers will carry the flame over a distance of 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) through 41 municipalities.

The Olympic flame will be handed over to the Paris 2024 organisers on 26 April in a ceremony at the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Nana Mouskouri, the 89-year-old Greek singer with an international following, has been invited to perform at the ceremony.

On 27 April, the flame will travel to France aboard the 19th-century three-masted ship Belem, which was launched just weeks after the 1896 Athens Games. A French historical monument, the Belem sailed for almost two decades on trade voyages to Brazil, Guyana and the Caribbean.

The last surviving three-masted, steel-hulled ship in France, it is expected to arrive in Marseille on 8 May. 10,000 torchbearers will then carry the flame through 64 French regions. It will pass through 400 towns and dozens of tourist attractions during its 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) journey through mainland France and French overseas territories in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific.

It will be the centrepiece of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on 26 July, which is planned to be held on the banks of the Seine - the first time it has been held outside the main stadium of the Games.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron admittedon Monday that it could be moved to the national stadium in the event of a security threat. Macron said that instead of the teams sailing down the Seine on barges, the ceremony could be "limited to the Trocadero" building across the river from the Eiffel Tower or "even moved to the Stade de France".

Source insidethegames

In a momentous triumph, *Joseph "JoJo" Awinongya Jr.  etched his name in boxing history on April, 13, 2024 by securing the championship title at the Chicago Golden Gloves 2024 tournament. Competing in the 165 lb. Junior Open division*, JoJo delivered a masterful performance, earning a unanimous decision against his formidable adversary, Yandel "YANDEL" Hernandez from Knuckleheads Boxing Gym.

The electrifying showdown unfolded at Cicero Stadium, where JoJo's unwavering resolve and technical finesse captivated the audience. Among those who came to witness and support JoJo were Father Michael Pfleger, former Secretary of State Jesse White, Wasfi Tolaymat, Michael Mikuska, Tyrone Muhammad with ECCSC, and Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. Their presence added an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie to JoJo's journey to victory.

Hailing from the esteemed Sam Colonna Boxing Gym, Joseph Awinongya Jr. has dedicated countless hours to honing his craft under the guidance of seasoned trainers. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in this remarkable achievement.

*"Joseph's dedication and heart have been evident throughout his journey,"* remarked Coach Sam Colonna. *"His unwavering commitment to the sport has paid off, and we couldn't be prouder."*

The Chicago Golden Gloves has a storied legacy, and JoJo's name now graces the annals alongside other legendary champions. His victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Founded in 1923, the Chicago Golden Gloves remains one of the most prestigious amateur boxing tournaments in the United States. It has launched the careers of numerous professional boxers and continues to thrive.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Organisers of the Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon has opened registration for the 2024 edition of the race fixed for Saturday, August 3.

A statement from the organisers said, participants can register by dialling *380*21# or visit www.accraintercitymarathon.com to register for the race.

It stated that, participants would have the chance to compete in three categories, 21, 10, and 5-kiometrs, adding that there would be attractive prizes and medals at stake for outstanding participants.

The race, which is part of activities earmarked for the celebration of the annual Homowo Festival by the Gas would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium and end at the Bukom Boxing Arena

It added that, the race which is one of the biggest in the country would also be preceded by a two-day Sports Fair, where there would be a platform for sports businesses to network, share ideas and also exhibit their products and services.

It noted that, the organisers would also announce dates for the launch of the race and sponsors.

The 2023 Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon was won by Kooga Atia and Juliana Zakat.

Source Willie Ezah

… Calls For More Investment In Sporting Talents

The Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif on Monday launched the 2024 (Olympic Year) edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human Competition at the Accra Sports Stadium with a call on philanthropists to support budding athletes.

He commended the inventor of the concept, Mr. Reks Brobby, an Olympian and Sports Administrator / Events Manager for his vision and commitment to creating careers for sports men and women.

The Minister urged other companies to join in the positive project which started in 2013 and has yielded results as most of the participants have represented Ghana at major international competitions like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

He noted that Accra has been declared a city of sports from 2024 to 2026, and the Ghana Fastest is one of the projects the Ministry is supporting under the scheme.

He said the recently well organized 13^th African Games proved that the nation has people who can organise and perform exceptionally well.

He hailed Reks Brobby and his team for their splendid work over the years in giving the platform to athletes and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13^th African Games, touted to be the best, biggest and well organized in history.

He hinted that plans are advanced for the Ghana National Games which will begin in the regions and end in the capital, Accra.

Mr. Kwame Baah - Nuakoh, General Manager, Strategy & Investments of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) who are the headline and clothing sponsor of the project said the eleventh milestone is significant as the organisers have brought novelty into Ghana Athletics.

He said sports is a catalyst that can take people into other greater ventures, recalling the GNPC Speedsters Club which adds much value to the training of selected athletes beyond the tracks.

He called for more corporate interest in University Games and the return of Inter Colleges (Inter Co) which produced many track & field stars in the past.

Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary of President Nana Akufo-Addo who was Guest of Honour said the GNPC Ghana Fastest Competition is one of the greatest private sector initiatives which has been extremely successful, as the President is interested and committed to support.

He prayed that Ghanaian athletes will qualify and represent at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

He commended GNPC and other sponsors of the Ghana Fastest competition.

“Jubilee House is fully behind this initiative” he assured.

The new Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr.  Dodzie Numekevor promised to make available facilities and staff for the competition.

Mr. Reks Brobby revealed that the Ghana Fastest has become a big brand as many people from different parts of the country now want to perform on the platform it has given to potential athletes.

He urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ghana Athletics to bring back Inter Co and make it popular again.

He announced that this year’s competition for under 15, under 18 and seniors above 18 years will start from the Aliu Mahama Stadium at Tamale on May 11, then move to Cape Coast Stadium on May 25, come to Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium on June 15 and climax at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on June 29.

He presented three retired athletes, Ohene Karikari, Oko Addy and Mike Ahey who blazed local and international tracks in the 1960s and 70s with Adidas products.

The chairman of the occasion was retired Supreme Court Judge, Mr. Justice Alan Brobbey.

The launch attracted a lot of athletics enthusiasts including the Chairman of the LOC for the 13^th African Games Dr. Kwaku Ofosu - Asare, Deputy DG of the NSA Mr. Majeed Bawa, President of Ghana Athletics Mr. Bawa Fuseini, Vice President of Ghana Athletics Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, some members of the 13th African Games LOC, MDs of Ghana Railways and, Ghana Export Promotions Authority and the Die Hard Supporters.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Bayer Leverkusen Win Bundesliga: Stats Behind Unbeaten Title Run

By Neil Johnston

Bayer Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring against Werder Bremen

Bayer Leverkusen are the 13th club to win the Bundesliga, and the first new champions since Wolfsburg in 2008-09

Bayer Leverkusen are champions of Germany for the first time in their 120-year history.

Xabi Alonso's side wrapped up the title with five games to spare after a crushing 5-0 win over Werder Bremen in front of their jubilant supporters.

Overjoyed fans spilled on to the pitch to celebrate after Leverkusen moved to 79 points - 16 more than nearest rivals Bayern Munich - with just 15 points left to play for.

It is a remarkable achievement by former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso, who took charge in October 2022 with the club second bottom of the table.

Leverkusen's triumph ended Bayern's stranglehold on the league after 11 title wins in a row.

BBC Sport looks at some of the statistics behind their remarkable triumph.

Leverkusen win Bundesliga with five games to spare

'My job is not over here' - Alonso to stay at Leverkusen

'To win the Bundesliga is unthinkable' - Leverkusen make history by winning title

'Quite unbelievable'

Bayern Munich have dominated German football to such an extent that the last team to win the Bundesliga other than Bayern in recent years was Borussia Dortmund way back in 2012.

It is all change now, with Leverkusen securing the title after remaining unbeaten all season despite juggling Europa League and German Cup commitments.

Alonso's side have dropped just eight points, winning 25 of their 29 matches and drawing the other four.

In addition, they are on course for an incredible treble after establishing a 2-0 first-leg lead over West Ham in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, while they face second-tier Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on 25 May.

Their unbeaten run stands at 43 games in all competitions and should they maintain that for the rest of the season, they will break the record set by Benfica in the 1960s.

A BBC graphic showing the longest unbeaten runs in the Bundesliga

In 43 competitive matches this season, Leverkusen have won 38 times and drawn five, scoring 123 times and conceding just 31.

Their last defeat was on 27 May 2023.

Sunday's win over Werder Bremen saw Leverkusen set a new record for longest unbeaten starts to a season in the Bundesliga.

The previous record was Bayern's 28-game run in Pep Guardiola's maiden campaign in charge in 2013-14.

"To go unbeaten in the Bundesliga, ending Bayern Munich's long reign, it's really quite unbelievable," broadcaster and Leverkusen fan David Keppel told BBC World Service Sport.

"The fans are in a really happy space."

BBC graphic showing the longest unbeaten runs in Europe

Longest unbeaten runs in Europe in all competitions since the advent of the European Cup

'Good riddance to the Neverkusen tag'

In 2001-02, Bayer Leverkusen were chasing the Treble of Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

They ended up with nothing after finishing one point in the league behind champions Borussia Dortmund, lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final and were beaten 4-2 by Schalke in the German Cup final.

It was that campaign that spawned the 'Neverkusen' tag, which the club has struggled to shake off.

"That pain from 2002 really sits deep," added Keppel. "We were so close to lifting a Treble and then to not win any trophies was really painful."

Leverkusen have finished runners-up in the Bundesliga five times, but have surely shrugged off the 'Neverkusen' tag for good after winning the Bundesliga title.

Sunday's success was their first trophy since they lifted the German Cup in 1993, beating Hertha Berlin 1-0.

Leverkusen fans celebrate on the pitch with a banner of 'King Xabi' in tribute to boss Xabi Alonso

Leverkusen fans celebrate on the pitch after their team beat Werder Bremen 5-0 to win the Bundesliga for the first time

Thousands of Bayer Leverkusen fans celebrated on the pitch after the club was crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time

Thousands of Bayer Leverkusen fans celebrated on the pitch after the club was crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time

'Eviva Espana'

Granit Xhaka scored Leverkusen's second goal against Werder Bremen.

It was only his second Bundesliga goal since signing from Arsenal last summer for £21.4m, but the Switzerland midfielder's experience has proved pivotal in their quest for honours.

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface scored his 11th league goal of the season on Sunday, while Germany forward Florian Wirtz came off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick.

Wirtz is the first player to score a Bundesliga hat-trick after coming off the bench since Erling Haaland for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Alex Grimaldo (9) and Jeremie Frimpong (8) have chipped in with vital goals too, while Alonso's coaching methods have also been praised.

The 42-year-old Spaniard, a three-time Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich and Champions League winner at Real Madrid as a player, has been linked with former clubs Liverpool and Bayern as they seek to appoint new managers in the summer.

Alonso, however, opted to stay at Leverkusen, where he is adored by supporters.

Minutes after his side were confirmed champions, they played 'Eviva Espana' over the speakers at the BayArena in his honour.

"Leverkusen always had this problem of going missing in games, choking when it really mattered," added Keppel. "But they added some experienced players to the squad that has given them a bit of an edge."

Source bbc

Head Trainer at the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation, Mr. Charles Quartey says they decided not to continue the court case involving the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Imax Boxing Promotions (IBP) because of peace and tranquility.

He said every boxing fan at the Bukom Boxing Arena on the final fight night saw that they won in the ring, but the court issue has brought tension in his family relations, and he just wants peace and unity to prevail so he advised his team and they decided to discontinue with the case.

According to Charles Quartey, his lawyer was angry because of the decision not to appear in court and awarded them a very high charge.

“As plaintiffs, we called for the case, but now my friend’s wife is not talking to me and there is so much tension at where we stay so I said let us leave every thing to God, and live in harmony like we were before as this is boxing, something we love and we are all involved in it” he said.

Stephen Nyantekyi is an assistant coach at the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation and works with the Ghana Army, so he is forced to support the Ghana Army boxers at ringside and enjoy their victories.

His relationship with Charles Quartey has been sour since the case started and they want to patch up and maintain their close relations.

Charles Quartey who was recently inducted into office as President of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana (UBCAG) asked all his members, supporters and fans to remain calm and accept the verdict of the court what ever has happened in good faith as they have not lose the case, but decided not to continue to bring about peace and unity.

He expressed that looking at the future of Ghana Boxing is most important because as coaches, they are also fathers and bread winners.

“We just want the best for Ghana Boxing” he noted.

Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation won the first edition in 2022 and were on the verge of defending their title.

Meanwhile, the GBA has planned to start with the 2024 edition of the Ghana Professional League very soon after the settlement of the case.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

UBO  -  Universal Boxing Organization™ 

Local man Bastie Samir and Nigerian Idowu Rasheed contested the vacant Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Africa Light Heavyweight title on Saturday night, April 13, in Accra, Ghana.

Rasheed seemingly won the fight by second round knockout, flooring Samir twice with left hooks, the second ending the fight.

It was soon announced that the Ghana Boxing Authority officials at ringside had declared the fight a technical draw, due to an illegal blow from Rasheed.

After watching several videos of the fight, the UBO is not able to see any illegal blows from Mr. Rasheed.

FIGHT VIDEO LINK  

No championship-sanctioning organization, including the UBO, has power to overturn an official result, as this is something only the local boxing commission, in this case the Ghana Boxing Authority, can do.

But due to the fact that the title remained vacant, the UBO is in a position, and has power, to extraordinarily decide on its ownership:

Since we cant see that Mr. Rasheed did anything wrong, that he was in fact a victim of a blatant injustice and put on an amazing performance, we feel it is only right that Mr. Rasheed is recognized as the UBO Africa Light Heavyweight champion.

We have since been informed in writing by the Ghana Boxing Authority that they indeed intend to overturn the announced result and declare Rasheed the official winner by second round knockout.

It is human to make mistakes, and we are glad that the Ghana Boxing Authority has reportedly made the right decision in regards to the official result, and will report this accordingly to all record-keepers and other relevant parties.

OFFICIAL UBO RULING: Idowu Rasheed is recognized as the Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Africa Light Heavyweight champion!

Source UBO

Nigerian boxer, Rasheed Idowu has disclosed he was clearly robbed in his fight against Basie Samir for the UBO African Light Heavyweight title on Saturday at the Decathlon Shop at Kawukudi in Accra to commemorate this year’s Sala festivities..

The bout was put up by Wisdom Boxing Promotion led by ace coach Dr. Ofori Asare.

In an interview with the media, the  Ibadan based light heavyweight boxer, Idowu Rasheed a.k.a ID Booster said he prepared very well, and during the initial stages of the bout when he tested Bastie’s punch, he knew he will win the fight by a knock out.

“I could not feel his punch, but I knew he will not last in front of me” said the  25 years old muscular boxer with seven fights, five wins, one lose and one draw.

His coach, Michael said boxing is the real deal and they are going back to Nigeria to work with the authorities to see if the verdict can be turned, because they won clearly and were robbed.

He expressed that it is a big shame to see such results in African boxing, because they have traveled over many kilometers to come and fight, putting up a good show only to be robbed of the victory.

“In fact it is a big shame” he stated.

He noted that Nigeria has good boxers and their performance was seen at the African Games where they won many medals.

He said “we are developing very fast, Nigeria boxing is moving fast”.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 9th edition of the Dr. Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup has been officially launched at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium with 30 Zongo communities ready to compete for the ultimate prize.

The two-day championship is scheduled for April 20th at the Fadama Astroturf in Accra.

Hon. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Ben Abdallah Banda the Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board and representative of Vice-President and football administrator Awalu Angulu Mahama were among those who graced the occasion.

Hon. Ussif hailed the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu for his prayers and thanked the organizers of the competition and urged the organizers to set an age limit to encourage the participation of promising talents.

The event’s founder, Tamimu Issah, also expressed excitement about the upcoming competition which is to ensure unity and bring togetherness in the Zongo Community.

He advised the teams to select youngsters who have the prospect of excelling as professional footballers in the sport.

Teshie Zongo, Akweteyman and Tuba are new entrants in the exciting competition which has unearthed many football talents and discoveries.

Mamobi defeated Darkuman last year to become the current holders of the title.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Nigeria’s Idowu Rasheed who was described as a student of the game pulled up a surprise for Ghanaian Bastie Samir in their 10 rounds fight for the Vacant UBO African Light-heavyweight title at Decathlon, Kawukudi Park in Accra, Ghana as the bout ended in a Controversial R2 Technical draw.

Idowu Rasheed brutally out punched and knocked down Bastie twice in round 2, sending him out of the ropes and knocking the Ghanaian to the surprise of fans, so the fight comes to an end after the ‘Beast’ could not continue.

The ring judges declared the fight a Technical Draw instead of a Knockout to the amazement of fans who had come to celebrate the Salafest Boxing Gala.

According to GBA officials, a technical draw is the term used when a fight is stopped because one boxer is unable to continue due to an accidental injury or foul in the first four rounds.

Rasheed Idowu was said to have punched below the belt which caused the abrupt end of the fight.

The show staged by Wisdom Boxing Promotions saw Haruna Mohammed winning the national Cruiserweight title belt against veteran George Amuzu.

Nana Adjei Clinton was not impressive against Togolese Fioklu Dogbevi.

Olympian Shakul Samed fought Patrick Soutoke of Burkina Faso.

Middleweight Nathaniel Suppey won against Nathaniel Sosu by a Knock Out.

In other supporting bouts Kofi Dana knocked out Bernard Tagoe in a Welterweight contest.

Emmanuel Quaye defeated Francis Mensah by a KO in another Middleweight contest,.

Abdul Majid was knocked out by George Faho Mensah in Welterweight contest,

Joshua Quartey won by a R3 TKO against Korley Collision in a Middleweight contest

Nii Ashitey Larbie won by a R2 KO over Ibrahim Larbaran in a Light Heavyweight contest

Delali Miledzi and John Akorogu also fought on the packed bill

By Sammy Heywood Okine