The Ga-Mashie Hall at the Trust Sports Emporium will take centre stage from August 15 to 22 when Ghana hosts the 2025 African Youth Junior Weightlifting Championships.
Ghana won the hosting rights after securing approval from the Executive Committee of the African Weightlifting Federation at its Congress last November in Mauritius, following its commendable organisation of the weightlifting competition during the 2023 African Games.
The week-long cadet showpiece, open to athletes under the age of 17, is expected to feature 18 African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, Libya, Algeria, Eswatini, Kenya, and Uganda, with an athlete turnout of close to 200.
The championships serve as a platform for the cadets to exhibit their skills and talent in the sport ahead of their participation in the Africa Youth Games in Angola later this year and next year’s Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
In a chat with the Secretary-General of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), Mr Kenneth Odeng Adade, he noted that Ghana is ready to host this major international event, which will be the first organised by the federation.
“We are very ready to host the rest of Africa; everything is in place for a great championship. Our successful execution of the weightlifting component at the last African Games earned us this championship,” he said.
“Almost all the equipment needed for this major international competition is available, and participants’ accommodation is also sorted,” Mr Adade added.
He revealed that countries will start arriving on Friday, August 15, with the opening ceremony expected to be held on August 17 at 5 p.m. at the championship venue.
Mr Odeng Adade used the opportunity to thank the Trust Sports Emporium, Central Hotel, Accra City hotel and Iron Man Supplement for their immense support in making sure Ghana host a successful championships.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY