Golden Arms headed to New Delhi: Ghana's armwrestling squad eyes world stage in 2026

Ghana's armwrestling fraternity is set for another major international assignment as the Golden Arms prepare to represent the country at the World Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi, India, from October 26 to November 7, 2026. The competition, organised by the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF), will draw approximately 1,500 of the planet's elite pullers, offering Ghanaian athletes a prime opportunity to test themselves against the world's strongest and most technically proficient competitors.

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) is moving swiftly to prepare a nine-person squad for the championship, buoyed by the country's recent strong performance at the 15th Africa Armwrestling Championship held in Accra. The team will be anchored by established stars including world champion Grace Minta, world championship medallists Mabel Yeboah and Blessed Abeka Nunoo, and African champion Daniel Acquah, combining elite experience with emerging talent.

Building towards competitive excellence

To sharpen the team's readiness, the GAF will launch a comprehensive national camping programme bringing together selected athletes for intensive preparation. The initiative will prioritise physical conditioning, strength development, technical and tactical refinement, recovery protocols, mental preparation and discipline. Coaches Husseini Akueteh Addy and Nii Otu Larkyne will oversee the camp, using the period to evaluate athletes and finalise squad selections across various weight categories whilst aligning preparation with international competition standards.

Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, has stressed the federation's dedication to providing athletes with regular opportunities at the highest competitive levels. The World Championship sits at the heart of the GAF's strategy to develop elite athletes capable of securing medals at both continental and global events.

Why it matters for Ghana

Armwrestling has emerged as one of Ghana's success stories in international niche sports, with the country establishing itself as a competitive force particularly at the African level. The 2026 World Championship represents a crucial moment for Ghanaian sport to prove that continental dominance can translate into success against global opposition. Success at the New Delhi event would elevate Ghana's profile in a sport where the country has invested significant effort and talent development.

Beyond medal aspirations, participation exposes the Golden Arms to diverse techniques, styles and competitive standards whilst providing invaluable experience for both athletes and the technical team. This exposure is critical for the long-term development of armwrestling in Ghana and helps shape the next generation of elite pullers.

The GAF is actively seeking financial support from corporate organisations and state institutions to facilitate the team's travel and preparations. With the camping schedule commencing and momentum building, Ghana's armwrestling community is focused on delivering a competitive showing that reinforces the country's standing as a serious player in world armwrestling.