Coach Julius Baba, one of the athletics trainers of Ghana’s 4x100meters squad has promised that history is about to be made in Tokyo.

In an exclusive chat to introduce the team at the Games Village some hours after the full complement has arrived, he said the story in the world sprint race would be different as he expects his boys to change the narrative.

“History is in the making” he expressed.

Experienced former jumper, Coach Andrew Owusu who is also in Japan with the team, after guiding them in the USA to master the craft of changing the baton supported his colleague’s assertion and hinted that the 4x100 meters team of Ghana is one of the squads to watch at the 2020 Olympic Games as they have prepared adequately and are ready for action.

The squad is made up of Ghana 100 meters record holder, Benjamin Azamati, Sean Safo-Antwi, Joseph Paul-Amoah, Emmanuel Yeboah aka T 20, Joseph Manu and Sarfo Ansah. They asked for the support and prayers of all Ghanaians,

After the Olympic Games, they are scheduled for the 2022 World Athletics Championship to take place in Oregon, USA.

Triple Jumper, Nadia Eke, who lead at the opening ceremony is the only female Track & Field star in the team.

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

Ghana’s  triple jumper, Nadia Eke who will be one of the flag bearers at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games says she is so excited which her role and will shine for her nation.        

The young charming beauty with a personal best of (outdoor) 14.33 metre, (indoor) 13.60 metre in her event was educated Holy Child Senior High and the Columbia University (graduated).

Her major events are competing at the African Championship, Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Continental Cup

Other events that she has taken part are the World Athletics Challenge Meeting, Ivy League Championships, NCAA Indoor Championships, Auburn War Eagle Invitational and Indoor Metropolitan Championship

Her achievements include: African Champion, Commonwealth Champion, Indoor Metropolitan Championships Champion, Lafayette-Rider Winter Games Champion

The major achievement is national record holder in the triple jump.

She says Sports is her life aside being an artist (painter) and hair stylist, she does her own hair.

Her ambition in life is to change opportunities in sports,

“I want to use sports to change lives, like helping disabled people to have equal opportunities” she said.

She also calls on African governments and businesses to invest in sports.

“Lets create a culture to understand sports to help Africans” she stressed.

*Watch her at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

By Sammy Heywood Okine, Tokyo

Courtesy Ghana Olympic Committee / Ashfoam / Twellium

Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof Peter Twumasi has described the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as a victory for the world, athletes and Ghana to conquer the corona virus.

Motivating Team Ghana ahead of the opening ceremony at the Games Village, when he led Government's delegation to visit the athletes and officials, he praised the federations’ heads and athletes for their sacrifice and qualification.

He urged the athletes to go all out to grab some of the many medals at stake and make history, as they are the chosen ones among the 30 million Ghanaians.

According to the Director General whenever sports people shine, it give the country energy and people do not get sick, as many diseases get cured.

The Director General of National Sports Authority, who was accompanied by other dignitaries commended the athletes and officials for demonstrating good behaviour throughout their stay in Japan, and specifically acknowledged the support of the county's ambassador to Japan, H.E. Frank Okyere, to the contingent since their arrival in Japan. He extended greetings of the Sector Minister, Hon Mustapha Ussif, to the team and assured them of his coming to Tokyo to support the them, and all their budgetary allocations would be met.

Present were the Chef de Mission, Mr. Mike Aggrey and Secretary General of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mohammed Sahnoon.

The Team camped in Inawashiro Town in Japan and Baltimore in the United States of America, before moved into the Games Village to participate in the Olympic Games which officially begins today.

Despite all the inconveniences due to the pandemic coronavirus disease, Ghana's athletes remain emotionally strong and ready for the quadrennially global competitive sporting events.

The colourful opening ceremony was attended by a limited number of participants due to restrictions imposed by IOC to manage the covid19 in the country during the games.

Fans have been banned from coming to Tokyo for the Games, and Japanese will not be at the stadium to watch the events .

However, all the competitions would be globally broadcasted on TV, radio, internet to connect nations in the biggest sports festive.

Team Ghana was impressive at the opening ceremony with flag bearer, Nadia Eke stealing the show with her dancing steps.

205 nations (+ EOR team) are participating in the 2020 Olympic Games.  

11,326 athletes are competing in 339 events covering 33 sports (50 disciplines)

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

All the three boxers representing Ghana at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Thursday drew byes at the balloting for the round of 32.

Coach Dr. Ofori Asare who was at the draw with his assistant, Vincent Akai Nettey said it is a good omen and it is right for the boxers to qualify to the next stage which is the 1/16 stage.

“I have always been talking about good balloting or good draw and this is what I mean, so when they win their next two bouts the will be in the medal zone” he expressed.

He said the training continue and they are prepared and ready to face any body from any nation.

The news of the draw brought some joy into the rooms of the boxers as they jumped and hugged each other.

Skipper Suleiman Tetteh said it is a good premonition and they are more determined than ever.

Light heavyweight Shakul Samed noted that he is so happy, and urged Ghanaian to keep on supporting and praying.

Samuel Takyi, the ‘Ring Warrior’ said his prayers have been answered and he is going to put up an amazing performance when he is called in the Featherweight division.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

Officials of Team Ghana have arrived in Tokyo to support the West African nation at the Olympic Games after nearly 36 hours of travel and going through stringent COVID19 SCREENING set up by the Japanese Government to manage the global games in a covid-free environment.

So far none of the Ghanaian athletes and officials has tested positive to the virus and therefore all of them been successfully admitted to the Games Village. Among the country's officials present in Tokyo are the Director General of National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof Peter Twumasi, who is currently leader of Government delegation, Secretary General of Ghana Olympics Committee (GOC), Mr Mohammed Shanoon, Chef De Mission, Mr Michael Aggrey, Vice President of Ghana Athletics Association, and Deputy Director HR of Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ms Francisca Atuluk.

The opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympic Games comes off on Friday 23^rd July and will be attended by Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif (who is expected to arrive in Tokyo shortly) and the delegation.

Ghana has qualified 14 athletes who are to compete in athletics, boxing, judo, weightlifting and swimming.

Meanwhile, all the three boxers have qualified to the next round after drawing byes at the balloting on Thursday.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) is ready to elect a new executive body to pilot affairs of the regulatory body of Ghana boxing for the next four years.

Thursday the 22nd July, 2021 has been set for the election to be held at the Mudor Conference Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra.

The main focus is on the leadership to be contested by two personalities.

Hot favourite, Dr. Henry Manly-Spain is number 1 on the ballot and dark horse, Abraham Kotei Neequaye is the number 2 on the ballot paper.

The decision is in the hands of the members and the boxing fraternity.

The first Vice President position has only one candidate submitting it form for election in the person of Rabbon Dodoo and therefore will be sworn in tomorrow as first vice President automatically.

The same goes to the second vice President position with Roger Banor, an experienced referee/judge.

The treasurer position also has only Laud Acquaye filing to contest, however five people will be contesting for the executive member slots, of which four will be elected. They are Johny Gordon, a member of Cabic Promotions, Michael Neequaye, a referee/judge, Shadrack Acquaye also referee/judge, Lawrence Carl Lokko trainer and Alhaj Tofik Muritala who is a promoter.

Secretary General of the GBA, Mr. Patrick Johnson told the media, they shall successfully have the election, as all arrangements necessary for the event have been put in place.

Boxing enthusiast and stakeholders believe the election will bring reforms, policies and programmes that will put Ghana Boxing in a new and better direction.

By Elizabeth Alhassan

One visible thing that has made the Olympic Village in Tokyo impressive is the massive branding by participating nations.

Almost every country, including Ghana has put up their flag at their residential blocks, and this has made the Games Village very welcoming, colourful and charming despite the coronavirus threat.

Some of the big countries, like Great Britain, Australia, USA etc have made it extra beautiful with relaxing chairs and bicycles for easy movement of their athletes and officials, while others like Ghana are modest, but very high up at the 14^th floor of SEA 7, and it is so exciting to watch the scenery.

Team Ghana share the same block with the Netherlands and they have taken every space, from down to top, but Ghana is at the topmost.

Indeed, Tokyo 2020 would come up without fans, but the athletes are hoping to put up spectacular performance which would be capture on television and social media; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others.

Everyone in Tokyo (with face masks on) want to make an impact, including Ghana’s 2 swimmers, 3 boxers, 7 track & field athletes, 1 weightlifter and 1 judoka.

The Games open on July 23, 2020 and closes on August 8, 2021.

By Sammy Heywood Okine in Tokyo

Courtesy GOC Communications / Ashfoam / Twellium

Aruba's Nicole Hoevertsz is set to become a vice-president of the IOC at its 138th Session in Tokyo this week ©Getty Images

Nicole Hoevertsz is set to continue her rise through the ranks of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by replacing Anita DeFrantz as a vice-president of the organisation.

Hoevertsz is the only candidate for the vice-president position due to be vacated by American Olympic bronze medallist DeFrantz, who has served the maximum of two four-year terms.

The former synchronised swimmer from Aruba is expected to be voted into the senior role by the IOC Session here on Wednesday (July 21).

The 57-year-old has been a member since 2006 but has only been part of the ruling Executive Board for four years.

She has already been entrusted with high-profile IOC roles by President Thomas Bach, who appointed her to chair the Coordination Commission for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2019.

Hoevertsz also chaired the Olympic Athletes from Russia Implementation Group, charged with finalising rules and regulations for the participation of Russian athletes at Pyeongchang 2018, and is a vice-chair of the Paris 2024 Coordination Commission.

Her term on the Executive Board concludes in 2025, at the same Session where the IOC is due to elect Bach's successor as President after he will have served the maximum 12-year term.

"I certainly would not pretend (nor intend) to replace Anita in any position or capacity," Hoevertsz told insidethegames.

"She is a widely admired colleague for whom I hold great appreciation and respect, and I look forward to continue working with her for many more years to come.

"We both serve the Olympic Movement and in particular the athletes with dedication and passion, and I hope to be able to continue all the good work that Anita has been doing all these years.

"She is an example for many of us to follow."

Anita DeFrantz is leaving the IOC Executive Board after serving the maximum number of terms ©Getty Images

insidethegames understands Kristin Kloster Aasen, the chair of the IOC group which recommended Brisbane be awarded the 2032 Olympics, will take Hoevertsz’s seat as an ordinary Executive Board member.

There are unlikely to be any more challengers before tomorrow’s deadline and the Norwegian is set to be elected unopposed at the Session at the IOC’s five-star hotel in the Japanese capital.

Kloster Aasen, a former vice-president Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, is in line to become an Executive Board member just four years after joining the IOC.

The Norwegian was chosen to lead the IOC’s Future Host Commission for the Summer Games, which identifies and recommends venues for the Olympics, in 2019.

Brisbane will become the first city selected to host the Games under the new process at the Session on Wednesday.

Switzerland’s Denis Oswald and Acting Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) President Robin Mitchell’s terms are also up but they are standing for re-election.

Switzerland's Denis Oswald is set to stand for another four-year term on the IOC Executive Board at the Session in Tokyo tomorrow ©IOC

Oswald, who chaired the Disciplinary Commission which investigated and ruled on Russian cases stemming from the doping-tainted 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, is eligible to serve another four years on the Executive Board.

Fijian Mitchell occupies a place on the ruling body as the representative from ANOC, the umbrella body for NOCs, and can also stay for four more years.

DeFrantz was an IOC vice-president from 1997 to 2001, before being elected to the position in 2017.

The American, a bronze medallist as part of the women's eight rowing team at the 1978 Olympics in Montreal, has been ever-present in senior IOC for nearly three decades.

She stood unsuccessfully to replace Juan Antonio Samaranch as IOC President when the Spaniard stepped down in 2001.

Ghana’s Samuel Takyi aka ‘The Golden Ring Warrior’ has declared that he is ready to fight on Saturday July 24, 2021 to begin the nation’s search for a medal at the Olympic Games after many years.

He told Yours Truly after his workout with coaches Dr. Asare and Vincent Akai Nettey that he believes he is the best at 57kg and it is time to prove to the world.

Each day his confidence and morale rises, but he remains focused to take home a medal.

He said “for over 50 years Ghana has not won an Olympic Medal in Boxing, and I have been briefed about the history of Tokyo 1964 which I want to repeat”

“ I am fully prepared and as I begin the competition for Ghana, all I need is prayers and good luck to win my first time to give the other athletes hope and vim” he expressed.

The 20 year old disciplined boxer thanked all those who motivated the Black Bombers, and he promised not to fail.

“am wild like an eagle, a lion and a cobra. I know the Olympic Games is the biggest stage for every sports man and I will make the world know me, that am from Ghana, and am the best” he stressed.

He fights on Saturday, however the balloting has not been made at the time of going to press.

By Sammy Heywood Okine in Tokyo

Courtesy Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) / Ashfoam / Twellium

China has selected volleyball captain Zhu Ting and taekwondo star Zhao Shuai as its flagbearers for the Olympic Games here.

The pair will be the first Chinese co-flagbearers after the International Olympic Committee introduced a new rule which encourages the selection of one man and one woman for the honour.

Zhu was a member of the Chinese women's team which won Olympic gold at Rio 2016, while the 26-year-old outside hitter is also a two-time World Cup winner.

Zhao also topped the podium at Rio 2016, with the 25-year-old double world champion claiming gold in the men's 58 kilograms taekwondo division.

"Taking representation of the athletes and competition schedule into consideration, the delegation has confirmed its flagbearers following widespread consultation and prudent consideration," the Chinese Olympic Committee said.

China has selected 431 athletes for Tokyo 2020 out of a total delegation of 777.

Officials are said to be desperate to bounce back from the "failure" of Rio 2016, when the country finished third on the medal table and suffered the "shame" of failing to win a title in gymnastics.

This was the worst Chinese performance since Sydney 2000, when they also finished third, following topping the medal table on home soil at Beijing 2008 and finishing second behind the United States at Athens 2004 and London 2012.

The 26 gold medals won by China at Rio 2016 was their lowest total since Atlanta 1996 and they were beaten in the overall standings by Britain, with the US again topping the table.

At Tokyo 2020, China's world leading divers will be expected to again perform while Zhu's volleyball side and swimmer Zhang Yufei are other big hopes.

But the country will be without three-time Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang following his four-year and three-month drugs ban for smashing a blood vial with a hammer during an argument with testers.

The South China Morning Post has reported that regional rivalry with hosts Japan will add extra spice to China's competitions.

By Dan Palmer