Golden Arms return from Bulgaria with three medals at 46th World Armwrestling Championship

Ghana’s national armwrestling team, the Golden Arms, have returned from Albena, Bulgaria, after securing three medals at the just-ended 46th World Armwrestling and 27th Para Armwrestling Championship.

The team’s historic performance — two silver medals and one bronze — was made possible through the support of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

Mabel Yeboah, a civilian staff member with the Ghana Prisons Service making her debut on the world stage, thrilled fans with a commanding display against opponents from Turkey, Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Georgia and Kazakhstan. She clinched bronze in the 60kg youth women’s left arm event and silver in the right arm category.

Immigration Officer Blessed Abeka Nunoo, after a tough opening day, switched to the hook style technique to outclass her rivals, winning a silver medal and earning admiration across the continent.

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The Golden Arms’ skill and resilience became the highlight of the tournament, with their unique style drawing applause and standing ovations from coaches and federation heads worldwide.

Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, hailed the achievement, attributing the success to the NHIA’s support. He said the Authority’s contributions were pivotal to the team’s training, preparation and participation, describing the NHIA as “a cornerstone of the team’s growth and development.” He further appealed to corporate Ghana and state institutions to emulate the NHIA’s example to strengthen sports development.

He also expressed appreciation to the Ghana Tourism Authority, OmniBSIC Bank, Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority, National Lottery Authority, National Petroleum Authority, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prisons Service and Ghana Police Service for supporting the Golden Arms during the 13th Africa Armwrestling Championships, where Ghana secured 55 medals.

The Golden Arms now turn their focus to the 2026 Africa Armwrestling Championship to be hosted in Accra, and the 2027 African Games in Egypt.

Delegation leader Dr Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Mr Joseph Cudjoe and Team Manager Abbas Sulley were also commended for guiding the team to a hard-earned success on the world stage.