Shakul Samed, a member of the Black Bombers of Ghana says he lost his first bout at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but his team is not out of the competition.

According the young man also called ‘Sharp Shooter’, he is apologizing to his fans and admirers for not making it to the Quarter Finals, after drawing a bye at the round of 32.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, he said he can not tell his future now on whether to still fight for Ghana and remain in the Bombers or go professional.

He urged all Ghanaians to back the remaining two Bombers who are nearing the medal zone to make history for Ghana.

“A win for Samuel Takyi and my capito is a win for all of us, and I will pray and support them fully to make name for Ghana” he expressed.

He praised Coach Dr. Ofori Asare for his efforts in many them Olympians and popular boxers in the world.

Shakul’s two brothers, Bastie and Issah represented Ghana at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and did not take anything home.

He is the 2019 Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Amateur Boxers of the year, and was aiming at bettering the record of his senior brothers..

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

Ghana’s  Shakul Samed suffered a painful knock out lose to Malkan Bayram of Turkey at the Edo Museum Kokugikan Arena, in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The Black Bombers medal hope Shakul Samed suffered a second round TKO against his bigger opponent, Malkan Bayram in the light heavyweight contest.

The 21-year Turkish boxer seemed too powerful for Shakul as he overpowered him in the second round having dominated the first round, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

It was the first fight for the 22-year-old Ghanaian boxer after he drew a bye in the Round of 32 while Turkish boxer moves on into the quarter-finals with the TKO win.

Skillful Samuel Takyi, who has reached the quarter-finals in the Featherweight division was superb in the Round of 16 after earning a unanimous decision win over Equador’s Caiceido Carlos.

The new star of Atukpai now faces David Ceiber Segura Avila of Colombia who also defeated Everisto Mulenga of Zambia by a split decision on Sunday August 1.

Skipper Suleimanu Tetteh is sure of beating Yosvany Veitía of Cuba in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 31. This is a promise he made to Yours Truly.

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

20 year old Samuel Takyi of Ghana outpointed Ecuador’s Jean Carlos Pachito Caicedo to move to the 1/8^th  stage of the ongoing Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Fighting for the first time at a big competition at the Kokugikan Arena, the boxer from Atukpai in the Ga Mashie area who has declared that he is the best in the 5kg weight division started the bout on a good note winning the first round.

His more experienced 26 year old opponent came back fiercely to win the second round, forcing Takyi to rely on his jabs and long reach to claim round three.

Three of the five judges gave the verdict to Takyi who was in the red corner.

Coach Ofori Asare whose two boys have won at the 2020 Olympic Games said the Jean Carlos Pachito Caicedo was not a cheap opponent, but he is ready for any challenge, and Takyi will be better as the Games move on.

He called on the people of Ghana to have hope and confidence in the Black Bombers.

The Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif who is in Tokyo was at the ringside together with the president of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah were so excited in joining other members of the Ghana delegation including Mr. George Lamptey, president of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and the CDM, Mr. Michael Aggrey to sing in praise of Samuel Takyi.

Light heavyweight, Shakul Samed will climb the ring to face Malkan Bayram of Turkey this evening at the Edo Museum.

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

…Urges Athletes to make Ghana and themselves proud

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, has urged Ghanaian athletes at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to cease the opportunity of their historic appearance and make Ghana and themselves proud.

The Sports Minister, who is currently in Japan on the invitation of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), held a special meeting with the Ghanaian delegation and conveyed to them a distinctive message of goodwill from President Nana Akufo-Addo, and assurance of support from Ghanaians.

"I send you special greetings from H.E. President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana.

The entire nation is behind you because you are representing our country Ghana and you are to lift high our flag," Mustapha Ussif told the athletes.

He then urged them to make a mark at the Games, which he described as a special event.

"The Olympics is a special event, and every athlete's dream, so be proud of yourselves that you are here," he said.

"You have an opportunity to make history and make our country Ghana and yourselves proud."

"Go all out. Even though you're competing in an empty stadium, always remember that Ghanaians back home are rooting for you."

The Sports Minister was among the few Ghanaian officials who were at ringside on Monday to cheer and inspire boxer Suleiman Tetteh to victory against Marte Rodrigo of the Dominican Republic.

Some Ghanaian athletes will be in action on Wednesday, and the Sports Minister has urged them and the rest of the team to take inspiration from the winning start of Suleiman Tetteh.

The Sports Minister, since his assumption of office, has shown keen interest in the welfare of Ghana's Olympic team by liaising with the Ghana Olympic Committee and their respective federations for various forms of support.

As part of his short visit, the Minister also met with officials of IOC, heads of international sports federations, colleague Ministers of Sports from other countries, as well as Mustapha Barraf and  Hashi Ahmed, the President and Secretary-General of  ANOCA, for deliberations on sports development cooperation and Ghana's preparations for the 2023 African Games.

The Minister is scheduled to return home this week.

From GOC Communications - Tokyo

Ghana’s general captain at the 2020 Olympic Games, Suleimanu Tetteh set the stride in fashionable style with a split decision (3-2) victory over Dominican Republic’s Marte de la Rosa Rodrigo in the Flyweight division to book a spot in the round of 16 of the Tokyo Olympics boxing event.

With the Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif and GOC President, Ben Nunoo Mensah watching from the  VIP stand, the experienced Black Bombers skipper started gently and dropped a point in the first, but gradually heated himself into the bout, winning the last two rounds to justify three of the five judges’ scorecards.

Tetteh who received full support from some officials in the Ghana contingent showed great serenity and technical ability, with quick movement and targeted punching, to eventually overpower his opponent.

Three of the five judges scored in favor of Tetteh, while two scored for Rodrigo.

The London 2012 Olympian, Tetteh, progresses to the Round of 16 and a step closer to the medal zone.

He told Yours Truly, he nearly lost hope, but motivated himself as the pace setter and leader of the Ghana athletes in Tokyo.

“I told my family and friends, am not coming back empty handed and that stimulated me to go all out to get the first victory for Ghana” he said.

Suleimanu Tetteh who has now gained his confidence will fight Veitia Yosbany of Cuba in the 16th stage on Saturday 31st of July.

Rosa Rodrigo won gold in the flyweight category at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. He was named the 2019 Boxer of the Year by the Dominican Boxing Federation.

In 2020, he was named Boxer of the Year by the Dominican Republic Sports Chroniclers Circle.

The two other Ghanaian boxers will do battle on Wednesday July 28, with Samuel Takyi facing Jean Carlos Pachito Caicedo of Ecuador, and Light heavyweight, Shakul Samed fighting Malkan Bayram of Turkey.

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Professor Peter Twumasi on Sunday afternoon visited Team Ghana at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Village to assess conditions in camp.

He was accompanied by representatives of the Minister of Youth & Sports and executives of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)

They went to the combo dining hall, apartments, technical meeting rooms and halls, and interacted with administrators and technical officers.

He observed that Team Ghana is in great shape and all athletes are getting prepared for their competitions ahead.

He assured them that their budgetary allocations would be honored to entice them to perform and excel.

Meanwhile, the Chef De Mission, Mr. Michael Aggrey and his technical and administrative team are working hard to sustain the high standards in the camp Team Ghana.

Mr. Aggrey commended the athletes for their discipline and conduct.

Secretary General of the GOC, Lawyer Mohammed Sahnoon also wished them well and tasked them to go for the medals and make names for themselves and the nation.

Meanwhile, the GOC President and Hon Mohammed Ussif are expected to land in Tokyo to motivated the athletes before they go into competition.

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

The Friends Of Boxing (FOB) in Ghana, a group that supports and encourages boxing and boxers has sent a goodwill message to the national boxing team, the Black Bombers to go all out and win medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Mr. Mustapha Nettey, spokesman of the group said the Black Bombers are the best hope of Team Ghana to grab medals, and they should be self motivated and have the confidence as champions from Africa to win all their bouts.

He expressed that the whole of Ghana and Africa is behind them, so they should fight like eagles, lions and sharks to win and bring home medals.

Nettey who is also the PR Manager of Joseph Awinongya Jr. the young hard working award winning USA based boxer with Ghanaian parents said the Black Bombers are capable of striking gold, so they should go for the victory.

Ghana is represented by three boxers at the Tokyo Olympic Games. They are Suleimana Tetteh, the general captain, Shakul Samed aka Sharp Shooter and Samuel Takyi aka Golden Ring Warrior.

Meanwhile, Dr. Henry Manly-Spain, the former First Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has also urged the Bombers and the whole Team Ghana to be focused and achieve for the nation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

“I am not going to neglect anybody just because I won the election,” Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye told the media after his swearing at the Trust Sports Emporium  which houses the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

“I am willing to tap into the knowledge of all the previous presidents as well as executive members to ensure boxing regains its rightful place in the country.”

Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye, an entrepreneur and politician was elected president of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) in an elective congress held at Accra’s Bukom Boxing Arena last Thursday.

Mr. Neequaye, the former CEO of the Baby Jet Promotions, outpointed opponent Henry Manly-Spain with 54 votes to 46 in an outcome that left many observers shocked.

He will spearhead the organization which licenses, sanctions and governs professional boxing in Ghana.

The former second vice-president of the GBA, Neequaye claimed he has got the time to serve the sport that has given Ghana 10 world champions.

The results shocked favourite Manly-Spain who congratulated the newly-elected president and promised to offer him his support when called upon.

“This is obviously not what I expected but I have to take a back seat and see what the future holds for me in the sport,” Manly-Spain told BoxingAfrica.com.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our new president and everyone who made it a point to be part of this.”

Mr. Neequaye previously was former Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association chairman and has managed several big names in the boxing fraternity, including Emmanuel ‘Gameboy’ Tagoe, George ‘Red Tiger’ Ashie, Michael ‘One Bullet’ Ansah, and the popular Brimah Kamoko, alias Bukom Banku,.

Mr. Rabone Dodoo and referee/judge Roger Barnor were sworn in as first and second vice-presidents of the GBA, respectively, after running unopposed.

Referees Michael Neequaye, Shadrack Acquaye, Alhaji Muritela Tofik, a promoter and coach Lawrence Carl Lokko were all voted as executive members. Johnny Gordon was not appointed.

The new executive members are expected to meet and announce other co-opted members in the coming days.

By Elizabeth Alhassan

Ghana’s general captain and skipper of the Black Bombers, Suleimanu Tetteh will set the ball rolling for Team Ghana when he meets Marte de la Rosa Rodrigo from Dominican Republic  on Monday 26th July in their Flyweight contest. It will be bout No.62 of the Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020.

In the Olympic Games draw table for the Featherweight competition, skillful Samuel Takyi will take on Caicedo Pachito from Ecuador on Saturday 28th July. He defeated Butsenko Mykola from Ukraine. That will be bout No.122.

Light heavyweight, Shakul Samed will also make his Olympic debut with Malkan Bayram of Turkey on July 28 after drawing a bye in the preliminaries. The fight will be bout No.140.

The three Ghanaian boxers have promised to win to set up joy in the camp, to inspire other athletes who are yet to begin their competitions.

Experienced coach Asare said his boys have trained enough and ready for battle.

“All that they need is now is prayers and support from Ghanaians” he stressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

Qian Yang won the first gold medal of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Chinese shooter Qian Yang won the first gold medal of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games here as she triumphed in the women's 10 metre air rifle.

The 21-year-old rising star ended on an Olympic record score of 251.8 points at the Asaka Shooting Range, as she out-lasted all of her rivals in an eight-woman final.

With the lowest scoring shooter eliminated at the end of each round, Anastasiia Galashina of the Russian Olympic Committee was in pole position with just two shooters left.

But the 24-year-old fired in an 8.9 with one of her two shots - the worst of any shooter in the final - and slipped into silver medal position on 251.1.

Nina Christen of Switzerland won the bronze medal with a score of 230.6.

Norway's Jeanette Hegg Duestad had earlier topped qualification but had to make do with fourth place.

India's Elavenil Valarivan, the world number one and a big hope in her country, failed to qualify for the final after finishing 16th in qualifying.

Yang dedicated her win to the Chinese Communist Party which has marked its 100th anniversary.

"It's unbelievable that I can be here," she said.

"I was really nervous.

"The competition was really tight, but I'm so happy that I could win.

"I didn't care so much about the points, I just wanted to fix myself and fix my mood during the competition."

Galashina, competing under a neutral flag due to Russia's doping ban, said she would learn from the error which ultimately cost her the title.

"I had mixed feelings, joy and bitterness at the same time," she said of the final shot drama.

"But now I am happy.

"I made a mistake, nothing major.

"It will allow me to learn something, it's a lesson for the future.

"I got too nervous, held on too long.

"My thoughts were not in the right place.

"I lost concentration, the explanation is very simple."

A second shooting gold medal will be awarded later in the men's 10m air pistol.

By Dan Palmer