The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for cancelling the final boxing qualifier for Tokyo 2020.

Fifty-three quota places had been due to be available at the World Olympic Qualifier in Paris in June, but the IOC Boxing Task Force - organising the Tokyo 2020 tournament and the qualification events after AIBA's recognition was suspended by the IOC - scrapped the competition earlier this month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

These places at Tokyo 2020 will instead be assigned based on rankings, with the best-ranked boxer per region, per weight category receiving a berth.

AIBA revealed its concern about the decision in a statement, claiming it would still be possible to hold a qualifying tournament despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We respect the decision of colleagues from the IOC Taskforce; it is important for us to find boxing in the Olympic programme and fulfil the Olympic dream of our athletes," the statement said.

"However, we believe that it was possible to retain the qualifiers.

"We welcome the health care of our athletes, coaches and officials, this is also our priority in this pandemic situation.

"In this challenging time, AIBA strives to host as many tournaments as possible in compliance with all safety measures.

"Our experience and the experience of our National Federations suggest that it is possible to successfully conduct official competitions during the pandemic, and we would be ready to share this experience."

The IOC Boxing Task Force said the changes to the qualification system would ensure athletes from all regions have an equal chance to qualify for the Games, but AIBA claimed it would be unfair on young boxers.

"The ranking system, compiled on the basis of key tournaments of past years, does not take into account youth competitions, so young boxers born in 2001-2002 will be deprived of the chance to compete at the Games and fulfil their dream," AIBA said.

"A qualification tournament would be a more objective way to qualify for the Olympics.

"The situation with the division of quotas by continent is fair and democratic only in theory, however, in practice, it is not so unequivocally.

"All this will greatly reduce the entertainment of the Games and their value in the eyes of the fans."

AIBA also criticised the postponement of the European qualifier from April to June.

The original European event, at London 2012 venue the Copper Box, was called off after three days of competition last March because of the escalating coronavirus crisis.

The Boxing Task Force confirmed earlier this month that London would no longer host the event.

"The postponement of the European qualifiers dates from April to June may negatively affect the training cycles of athletes," the governing body said.

"Boxers, who have been left in limbo for a year, will again not be able to build their training process in the best way.

"And this will affect the quality of the participants in the Olympic tournament, which is supposed to be composed of best of the best."

AIBA was suspended by the IOC as the Olympic governing body for boxing in 2019.

It was stripped of any involvement in the boxing tournament at Tokyo 2020 because of concerns over its governance, finances and refereeing and judging.

AIBA has reiterated its offer to work with the IOC Boxing Task Force to ensure the Olympic qualifying events could take place.

"We believe that everyone should have an equal chance to prove themselves in the ring and earn the coveted ticket to key competitions," AIBA said.

"The boxing community is asking the IOC Taskforce to find a way to keep the dates of the European qualifiers and not to cancel the World Qualifiers.

"We would like to emphasise that AIBA is open to dialogue, ready to provide any assistance to colleagues in organising boxing competitions.

"The well-being of our athletes and coaches is an absolute priority for us."

The Americas qualifier is still scheduled to take place in Argentinian capital Buenos Aires from May 10 to 16.

An Asia-Oceania qualifier was held in Jordan last year, while Senegal hosted the African event.

The pandemic forced the postponement of Tokyo 2020, with the Olympics now scheduled for July 23 to August 8 and the Paralympics set to run from August 24 to September 5.

By Nancy Gillen 

Skeleton athlete, Akwasi Frimpong finished the season strong in Innsbruck, Austria.  Despite injuries, he had a start time personal best of 0.33 seconds on the track and set a personal best down time by 2.5 seconds.

He finished 12th on the final day, and the season13th overall in the IBSF Inter Continental Cup circuit compared to last season when he was 24th.

He expressed his joy and pride with the progress that he has made, and promised to participate and perform better in the next Winter Olympic Games.

“The support from my sponsors, family and team Russia has paid off big time. A huge thank you to IBSF for making this season happen despite a global pandemic that forced fans to stay away. I am going home to be with my family after being away from them for so long and start recovering from my injuries to be ready for the Olympic season” he said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former Ghana International, Laryea Kingston has denied being appointed interim coach of Accra Hearts of Oak.

Reports on several local media platforms recently have suggested the Ghana Premier League giants had sealed an agreement with the former Black Stars player to act as interim coach after the appointment of his brother Richard Kingson as GoalkeepersTrainer.

But in a GTV Sports interview monitored by Ghanaweb, Laryea Kingston stated: “I have not been contacted by anyone from the club to become a coach,” Laryea Kingston told Willie Graham on GTV Sports Plus on Saturday.

He added, “When I’m ready to become a coach and I get the opportunity, why not? I will do it maybe in the future.”

According to the player, although he harbours the dream of managing his former club, he is not yet ready to hold up such a position since he needs more time to polish his coaching skills.

Officials of Hearts of Oak have also come out to debunk rumours about Kingston’s appointment.

“We have not spoken with Laryea Kingston [to serve a role as interim coach] and any such rumours are not true. However, Richard Kingson is our goalkeeping trainer,” Vincent Sowah Odotei, a board member at Hearts of Oak told Asaase Radio.

Hearts of Oak’s coaching post became vacant last week, following the resignation of their head coach Kosta Papic after Matchday 14 of the Ghana Premier League.

The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana has announced that Media Accreditation process for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games begins on 22^nd February, 2021 and ends on 15^th March, 2021.

Media houses interested in covering the Paralympic Games and NPC – Ghana preparations / Road to Tokyo programme can apply for accreditation within the period by submitting high quality scanned copy of bio data page of their passport and a high quality scanned passport sized picture (35mm x 45mm) and an official letter of introduction from their respective media houses to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the deadline date.

According to a press release from the NPC – Ghana, confirmation will not be on first come, first serve basis.

It said successful applicants will be notified and provided with further information in due course.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

A tournament that had to contend with many uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climaxed with Novak Djokovic remaining an unbreakable force as he thrashed Daniil Medvedev to claim a record-extending ninth Australian Open title on Sunday.

The world number one’s 7-5 6-2 6-2 triumph under the lights at Rod Laver Arena secured his 18th Grand Slam title, bringing him within tantalising reach of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s all-time men’s record of 20.

Much like Dominic Thiem in last year’s final, Djokovic faced an opponent desperate for success and his own seat at the Grand Slam table.

Unlike Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets, Medvedev never really threatened in his second Grand Slam final.

Djokovic made a mockery of the Russian’s 20-match winning streak and his pre-match barb that all the pressure to win was on the champion.

He broke him seven times for the match and closed out the one-sided contest with a net-rush and a brilliant leaping volley.

Having extended his unbeaten record in nine finals at Melbourne Park, the Serb roared in triumph and wrapped up his team in a group hug.

After acknowledging Medvedev’s congratulations, Djokovic thanked the blue centre court during the trophy ceremony.

“I would like to thank Rod Laver Arena. I love you each year more and more. It’s been a love affair that keeps growing. Thank you so much,” he said.

“On the court, he’s (Medvedev) definitely one of the toughest players that I ever faced in my life.

“It’s a matter of time when you hold a Grand Slam that’s for sure. If you don’t mind waiting a few more years.”

Djokovic now has won six Grand Slam titles after the age of 30, equalling Nadal’s record.

He had said pre-match that Medvedev was the man to beat in Melbourne Park and seemed determined to do it quickly as he slammed down an ace first point and broke Medvedev immediately.

With an acrobatic, leaping smash, he shot out to a 3-0 lead.

It was deflating start for Medvedev but he rallied to 3-3.

Running the Serb ragged in an epic rally, Medvedev clinched two break points when Djokovic netted a drop-shot from the baseline and the Serb dropped serve with a smash into the net.

With Medvedev matching him on the baseline, Djokovic tried pulling him to the net, the Russian’s least favourite part of the court.

The ploy paid off as Djokovic ripped a backhand passing shot for three set points and took it when a flustered Medvedev thumped a forehand into the net.

The momentum swung to Medvedev as Djokovic’s backhand wavered when serving first in the second set.

Yet the Russian could not consolidate, handing the break back with an error-strewn game.

Play was suspended briefly mid-point at 2-1 after a protester yelled “free the refugees” repeatedly during play before being ejected to cheers from the crowd.

Medvedev seemed unperturbed when he fired an ace on the next point but then dropped serve in a hurry with a pair of unforced errors.

Djokovic marched on to a 5-2 lead and Medvedev smashed his racket in fury.

The Russian sunk deeper into a funk, slapping a forehand long to concede two set points before being almost knocked off his feet by a sizzling Djokovic return.

Worse was to come as Medvedev started the third by being broken twice in succession, a weak volley into the net handing Djokovic a 3-0 lead.

It had all gone downhill so quickly but Medvedev battled to break back.

Yet there was no way to breach Djokovic’s stonewall defence.

Holding to 5-2 after an epic rally, Djokovic went to his chair with a pointed tap at his temple and an icy gaze at the Russian.

In a thrilling match point, Djokovic raced around the court before ending up at the net where he leapt high to smash a lob past the Russian and claim his second hat-trick of titles at Melbourne Park after his 2011-13 treble.

“Never easy to speak when you just lost a final of a Grand Slam,” said Medvedev.

“But I’ll try to do my best, better than on court I hope.

“First of all congrats to Novak and your team. Nine Grand Slams in Australia. 18 in total is amazing and probably not your last one. I have no words to say.”

Source – reuters.com

The 2021 National Cross-country competition was held today,  February 20, 2021 at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region of Ghana.

The event was attended by 192 athletes and other non-scoring athlete's, males and females, drawn from the 16 administrative regions of Ghana.

This prestigious competition organized by the National Sports Authority and it's partners was attended by the Director General of the Authority, Prof Peter Twumasi,

The Regional Minister Designate was represented by the former Deputy Minister of Western North (MP), Omanhene of Sefwi-Wiawso, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, commanders of various security agencies, and others graced the event.

This is a third consecutive national cross-country event organized under Prof Peter Twumasi since 2019 after ten years of inactivity. The emerging winners were presented with assorted prizes including cash and certificates.

Source - Prof. P. Twumasi

Naomi Osaka was inspired as she raced to victory in the final of the 2021 Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Jennifer Brady at Melbourne Park.

While the opening set was a fiercely-contested one, the second was not as competitive as Osaka further secured her status as the best player in the world.

The 2019 champion never looked overly troubled as she clinched a second crown at Melbourne Park and her fourth Grand Slam title in just one hour and 17 minutes - with all four having come on hard courts.

The third seed always looked to have too much for the American - who was appearing in her maiden Grand Slam final - but Brady did produce some quite brilliant play at times, particularly in the opening set.

Indeed, there was nothing between the pair when, at 4-4 and 30-30, the 22nd seed came up with a spectacular lob to stun Osaka and get the crowd inside Rod Laver Arena on their feet.

The patches of thrilling tennis ensured that it remained an intriguing battle throughout, and Brady could not have done more as she bombarded her opponent with her trademark huge forehands.

But Osaka was simply the more clinical and, when it really mattered, stepped up her intensity and won the crucial points.

A decisive break, aided by two fortunate plays in succession, enabled the 23-year-old to close out the opening set despite Brady having more than held her own.

It quickly began to look bleak for the American as she got off to a nightmare start in the second set, however, and suddenly Osaka held a commanding 4-0 lead.

While Brady battled back valiantly to break Osaka and give the scoreboard a fairer appearance, her opponent always looked in control of the match and continued to dominate the key points.

At the age of just 23, the Japanese star has rightly been hailed by Eurosport's Justine Henin as the "new boss of women's tennis" - and her career trajectory is very much heading in the right direction.

Eurosport commentator Jo Durie declared that Osaka is now, "the undisputed queen of the hard courts", while Simon Reed agreed that she is, "the best female tennis player in the world".

Osaka now has a pair of titles at both the US Open and Australian Open, and as the best player in the world right now, can surely kick on and continue to add to her rapidly-growing tally.

By Eurosport

The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana  has ordered that from Friday 19^th February, 2021 all administrative and managerial powers of all para sport activities rests in their bossom.

In a letter signed by the NPC President, Mr. Samson Deen, he stated that the Executive Board of the NPC is embarking on a restructuring programme to meet world and international standards as a way to effectively promote and develop the sports.

The President of the NPC thanked all the committees that have supported the disabled athletes in the past in the management of para athletics, para powerlifting, para swimming shooting para sports, however they cease to exit from 19^th February, 2021.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former Ghana international, Laryea Kingston has been named as the interim manager of Hearts of Oak according to reports in the local media.

The Ghana Premier League giants are currently without a substantive coach following the resignation of Kosta Papic on Monday.

The Serbian cited interference from some board and management member for his departure.

Samuel Nii Noi, who is the U-15 coach is currently in charge of the interim basis after the team manager, goalkeeper's trainer and assistant coach left the club.

The Phobians will face Ebusua Dwarfs in matchday 15 of the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The former Black Stars winger is expected to lead the team on Sunday according to reports.

Laryea is currently having his coaching attachment with Right to Dream Academy and is stepping in to support the side he made his name in the early 2000s.

He will join his brother Richard Kingston on the touchlines on Sunday after the former national goalkeeper began training with the club earlier this week.

The Kingston brothers will be in charge of the club’s week 15 encounter against Ebusua Dwarfs in Accra before the board takes a decision on the future technical direction of the club.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Tanko has rejected the offer to take up the job as the head coach of the club within the week.

The Ghana Tug of War Association on 19 February, 2021 joined other nations to observe the International Tug of War Day.

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, the President of GHATOWA said the day is special for the greatest sport which involves 100% commitment and absolute effective teamwork as a prerequisite for winning.

“It compares well with businesses and that is how we must live on earth. We should work hard and support each other to triumph” he said.

He advised people, especially sportsmen and women to restructure, regroup or work on the culture to support each other in this Covid period. “We have to wear our nose masks. It is better than the heat in the grave” he said.

Tug of War (TOW) has 8 people in a team and each of them has a specific job to do. If one member slips or does not give his/her all, or does not support, does not trust the one in front or at the back of you, does not believe in the plan, fail to communicate or listen to the driver/coach/manager, teamwork goes out the door, panic strikes when you are under pressure and winning seems so far away.

Connect People to People (www.connectpeople.com.na) wished fans and supporters of TOW a Happy International Tug of War Day and urged them to keep the pressure on and take small dedicates steps to succeed.

They sent a message that people should be resilient and get out of the COVID slump, and all African TOW federations must reconnect with the African TOW champs in Namibia since everybody's support and commitment is needed to show the world  Africa can do it.

“The impossible is nothing. Sport Development in TOW is not a nice to have, it is imperative to give our children hope to look forward” the message read.

From Sammy Heywood Okine