By: Madi Senghore
The Gambia’s national wrestling team has departed Banjul International Airport for Ankara, Türkiye, to participate in the International Karakucak Wrestling Championship scheduled for Aug. 15-16.
The championship, organised by the Turkish Traditional Wrestling Federation, is expected to bring together wrestlers and representatives from different wrestling communities for an international celebration of traditional wrestling, culture and sporting excellence.
The Gambian delegation is led by Assistant Secretary Ebrima Marong, who also serves as the Karakucak Wrestling Representative for Africa.
The technical team includes Bakary Jarju, alias Lekket, who serves as team trainer, alongside Babacarr Mboge, alias Arobaz; Gebriel Chaw, alias Chat; and Ali Ndow, alias Artist.
The participation of The Gambia is expected to provide an opportunity for the country’s traditional wrestling practitioners to showcase their skills on an international platform.
It will also allow the Gambian delegation to exchange knowledge and experience with wrestling communities from Türkiye and other participating countries.
The team’s participation forms part of efforts to promote and preserve The Gambia’s traditional wrestling heritage while creating opportunities for Gambian wrestlers to compete and engage at international level.