Wrestling mat mystery for BWF

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday December 5, 2017 17:36

 

BWF has been fighting tooth and nail to have the mat returned, but it seems like it is going to be a long process for that to happen. The association is currently using karate mats during their competitions.  BWF president, Moagi Sharp said yesterday that he has engaged United Wrestling President-Africa on the matter.

“I will do everything in my power to have that mat here at home. Burkina Faso are also fighting the same battle because they were also given the same mat by Russia,” he said. 

Despite that, business continues at wrestling as they held their annual club competition over the weekend at Eastern Military Garrison (EMG) camp in Selebi-Phikwe. The championship was attended by 50 wrestlers including those who came from the newly established Palapye club. 

Sharp said he was impressed by the performance of the athletes. He said Selebi-Phikwe as the oldest club gave the new wrestlers the practice they needed.

“There is a future in Palapye as evidenced by the way they performed winning five medals (one silver and four bronze).  The championship was a platform to activate our clubs and make sure that we spread our footprints across the country,” Sharp said. He said in January, BWF is launching a new club in Francistown.

He said the plan is to make sure that by April, more clubs would be in order.  He said a wrestling team would be sent to represent Botswana at the Africa Championship next year. He said there is potential of doing well in international competitions. He said a few months back, a team that was sent to compete in Namibia brought one gold medal, three silver and one bronze.

Meanwhile, Sharp said wrestling is not part of Botswana Games because the sport is still growing.  He said if wrestling was introduced in primary schools, it could grow at a faster pace.  He said coaches are there and ready to work.