By: Momodu Jallow
The Gambia is gearing up to host the 14th edition of the West Africa Wrestling Tournament. The previous edition of the West Africa Wrestling Tournament took place in Guinea-Bissau in 2022.
Mr. Matar Saine, the President of the Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA), has outlined an open, transparent, and merit-based process for selecting the national wrestling team that will represent The Gambia at the upcoming ECOWAS Wrestling Competition, to be held in The Gambia.Matar Saine, the President of the Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA)
Matar Saine, President of The Gambia Wrestling Association
In his address to stakeholders, Mr. Saine emphasized that transparency, truth, and fairness are the core values guiding the association’s leadership. He highlighted that these principles are crucial for fortifying the association and achieving success at the regional level.
The President mentioned that the association will summon 30 wrestlers from all regions of the country, without discrimination. These wrestlers will undergo supervised training and evaluation by a technical team and national coaches.
From the initial group of 30 wrestlers, each category will have 6 wrestlers shortlisted. Among these, 2 wrestlers per category will be ultimately chosen for the competition. Additionally, 2 extra wrestlers per category will be kept on reserve for backup, medical checks, and additional preparation.
In total, The Gambia will present 3 male wrestlers, 2 female wrestlers, and a total of 5 wrestlers for the ECOWAS competition.
Mr. Saine explained that all selected wrestlers will undergo rigorous training. In the month leading up to the competition, they will be placed in a hotel training camp with the technical team to ensure thorough preparation and discipline.
He confirmed that 14 ECOWAS countries will partake in the competition, after the exclusion of two countries. Mr. Saine emphasized the need for The Gambia to be thoroughly prepared to face formidable opponents on home turf.
To build public confidence, the association conducted a press conference before the selection process, allowing the public and media to comprehend the decision-making process. Mr. Saine reiterated that all wrestlers, regardless of size, are welcome as long as they are prepared, committed, and capable of bringing glory to the nation.
The Wrestling Tournament is scheduled to take place in The Gambia in April 2026.
