Wrestling sails on despite challenges
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 9, 2024 09:08
Now a decade later, the BWF president, Moagi Sharp, says the Federation has given up on the donation after there was a mix-up in delivery logistics. “The botched delivery was a blessing in disguise. We had to think outside the box. It is impossible to do Olympic wrestling events without a proper wrestling mat. In January, we introduced Beach Wrestling and since then we have seen growth and for the first time we participated at the Senior African Beach Wrestling Championships held in Dakar, Senegal,” he said. Sharp said is an indication that Beach Wrestling is making a quick progression. He said next month the national Under-23 team will compete at the World Championships, to be held in Albania. Sharp said United World Wrestling (UWW) was impressed by the performance of their two wrestlers, Kelebogile Basupi and Jeffias Kulube, at the Senior African Beach Wrestling Championships.
The championships attracted 32 countries and Botswana finished in position 23 in the women's section, while the men were two places below in their category. Sharp explained that despite the tough competition they faced, the wrestlers were able to avoid being knocked out in the first rounds. On the sidelines of the competition, Sharp attended courses meant to benefit the federation. “During the Senior African Beach Wrestling Championships, I attended the referees and coaches course organised by UWW. I aim to gain knowledge, which I will share with my wrestlers and officials as a way to grow the sport in the country. As a continent, we should unite more especially since Beach Wrestling is a new style for us in Southern Africa. The challenge that we are facing is that Beach Wrestling is a tradition for West African countries and they have strong physiques,” Sharp said.
“Although we have a challenge with equipment, we will continue focusing on Olympic and Beach Wrestling. Regarding Beach Wrestling, we are focusing on grassroots development. One of our clubs, Mega Power in Letlhakane, is focusing on Beach Wrestling development,” he said. Sharp said over the weekend there will be a selection of two wrestlers who will represent Botswana at the Under-23 World Championships in Tirana, Albania. The championships will be held from October 21-27. The Under-23 trip is sponsored by UWW. Meanwhile, Sharp urged Batswana to give wrestling support and encouraged private companies to assist the BWF with equipment such as wrestling mats and rings.