The Israeli football Premier League resumed on Saturday night after it was suspended on Oct. 7, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out.

The league returned with a first-round match, in which the reigning champions Maccabi Haifa beat Hapoel Petah Tikva 2-1 at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in the northern city of Haifa.

The match, played behind closed doors for security reasons, was originally scheduled for Aug. 26. It was then postponed due to Haifa’s qualifying matches in the UEFA Champions League and rescheduled again due to the war.

The conflict stopped the league after the fifth round, and the sixth-round matches were rescheduled for Dec. 2 and 3.

The Israeli basketball Super League, which was suspended after only one game of the first round, is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

By Xinhua

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) announced on Friday that the country’s former paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, has been granted parole, effective from Jan. 5, 2024.

The decision for parole placement was made by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board after assessing Pistorius’s profile and other materials submitted for parole consideration, the DCS said in a statement. Pistorius was convicted of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. The case underwent several appeals and was ultimately confirmed to a sentence of 13 years and five months in 2017. Classified as a first-time offender with a positive support system, Pistorius’s parole placement aligns with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, according to the statement.

“Parole placement forms part of the total rehabilitation program in correcting offending behavior and may include continuation of programs aimed at reintegration whilst in the system of community corrections. Pistorius will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires,” the DCS said.

By Xinhua

Ghana Para-Boxers And Officials Glad For Exposure And Experience

Para-Boxers who featured on the Ghana Professional Boxing League as a guest show are thrilled and much grateful to Imax Promotions.

President of the Ghana Adaptive Boxing Council, Mr. Collins Zoiku is much glad and thankful to the Ghana Boxing Authority for the collaboration to increase the entertainment package at the Bukom Boxing Arena with classic excitement

Mr. Collins Kofi Zoiku who doubles as President Of GHAMMAF believes there will be professional fighters but in the meantime, "we'll be doing more of the amateur fights because we don't have too many athletes yet"

On sanctioning of bouts, including management and administration of the sport he said that is the job of the Ghana Adaptive Boxing Council.

"The organization and sanction s are to be done by the Federation but we are taking advantage of the GBA Professional league to expose Para-Boxing which l think is a beautiful platform for us" he expressed.

Mr. Emmanuel Akpabli, organiser of para athletes said the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana wants to bring joy and happiness to everyone including Footballers, powerlifters and boxers.

What Is Para‐Boxing / Wheelchair Boxing?

Adaptive sports provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to perform at the highest level. Out of this, the idea of Para and, or Wheelchair Boxing was nurtured. Para or Wheelchair boxing is an adaptation of BOXING for the physical challenged athletes. It is not merely for recreation but also added advantage of health benefits, harnessing of experiences through competitions and participations in elite platforms, financial gains through winnings and sponsorships, leading to a more competitive environment and athletes wanting to achieve the highest levels of performance and skills, as defined according to Physiopedia.

The main world governing body is the International Adaptive Boxing Federation (IABF); founded in Canada by Aaron Kinch (Canada), Collins Kofi Zoiku (Ghana), Kanika Chaudhary (India), Joost Van de Lee (Netherlands), Olando Farias Perez (Argentina), Abel Al Rahman Salameh (Jordan) and Ben Griffin (USA).

Para‐Boxing is the world’s fastest growing Parasport with an estimated 2.3 million followers across the globe. It has a modern classification system that recommends pairing of physical challenged athletes on an even playing field seated in special wheelchairs with wide range of wheelchair belts, lap belts, and support straps to enable versatile, abdominal support, and also securing the legs around the thighs or calves for more intense maneuvering in the ring.

The Rules of the game are similar to that of mainstream boxing. The competitors are classified according to the levels of their disabilities and can compete in 6 different weight categories. The system also adopts a point scoring system that measures the number of landed clean blows devoid of causing physical damage to competitors. Bouts consist of three rounds of two minutes in every round, and each with a one‐minute interval between rounds.

As adopted from the main stream AIBA Olympics rules, Competitors wear protective headgear and gloves with a white strip or circle across the knuckle. The white end is just a way to make it easier for judges to score clean hit or punch. A punch is considered a scoring punch only when the boxers connect with the white portion of the gloves. Each punch that lands cleanly on the head or the upper body (preferably, chest area) with sufficient force is awarded a point.

A referee monitors the fight to ensure that competitors use only legal blows. Referees also ensure that the boxers don’t use holding tactics to prevent the opponent from swinging. If this occurs, the referee separates the opponents and orders them to continue boxing. Repeated holding can result in a boxer being penalized or ultimately disqualified. Referees will stop the bout if a boxer is seriously injured, if one boxer is significantly dominating the other or if the score is severely imbalanced.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana was for the first time represented in archery at the 13 African Archery Championships by UK-based Ben Shardow.

The 13th African Archery Championships LOC, WAAf  announced that Nabeul was ready to welcome all African delegations to the African Championships and CQT.

The 13th African Archery Championships and Continental Qualifier for Paris 2024 was held in Nabeul, Tunisia during 8-12 November 2023 with confirmed participation of (96) athletes and (32) Official and Guests representing (20) African Member Association.

An Olympic Solidarity Youth Training Camp was held before the start of the competition during 4-7 November 2023 to support the Athletes’ performance before joining the tournament, this camp includes (23) athletes and coaches from (9) African Member Associations under the supervision of WA Consultant Pascal COLMAIRE.

The athletes competed to gain the quota for Africa of (1) Mixed Team plus (2) individual Women and (2) individual Men. They will be African Archery Ambassadors to the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Andre Ayew Advised To Give Opportunity To Younger and Voracious Stars

Captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew has been advised by some Ghanaian football fans to give chance to younger stars in the national team, like his dad, Abedi Pele was given by ace midfielder Adolf Armah.

The fans said if he knows and feels in his body that he cannot give of his best, he should simply retire as there is time for everything.

Sampling the views of fans after the 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Comoros which he started ahead of players like Ernest Nuamah, Kudus Mohammed, Fatawu Issahaku and Majeed Ashimeru, the fans expressed that there is time for everything and if now is the time to hand over to a rising this is the finest time.

Most of the fans have fears that Ghana may not be able to qualify, but Zuu of Chorkor, a tough supporter of the Black Stars believes they will beat Comoros at home and win in the two legs over Mali and beat Madagascar before their home fans to qualify.

“Oh it’s a cool chop for Ghana again, we will certainly qualify, we shall make it to USA 2026. If our coach will parade the best players in current form we will qualify, we need players who are strong and ready to run for over 90 minutes, we need players with eyes for goals, I am very optimistic the Black Stars will make it. Inaki Wiliams can not play like Asamoah Gyan, so he should be fed and supported, we can change from one top to two strikers and I think that will be good supported by great schemers and dribblers, our defence must also be on their toes and keep running, while our goal keepers must be agile, am talking about 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formation” he expressed.

He urged Ghanaian to recollect that when the going gets tough it is Dede Ayew who saves the team.

Ghana is placed third in their group which is topped by Comoros who defeated Ghana at the last African Cup of Nations.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Prince Oko Nartey was beaten after showing some bravely in round one against a much bigger Joe Ward until referee stopped the fight prematurely at the end of round two as he seemed running away from the hefty punches of the home boy.

The bout took place in the Aura Complex, Letterkenny, Ireland on Thursday and Nartey just shook his head as the result of his first TKO defeat was declared

He was however appealed for his bravery.

Joe Ward, a feared former boxer now has 10 wins and one lose. He is powerful in both hands and gave Nartey some unpleasant moments.

The Ghanaian super middleweight champion is now on two loses in 13 fights.

The well attended show was presented by Elite Sheer.

Prince Nartey expressed gratitude to his fans and thanked God for everything.

“I want to thank everyone supporting me along this journey! From the bottom of my heart I appreciate it.

Unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but I know am a winner!. Keep supporting. We will be back soon” he added.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet today welcomed the adoption by the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) of a resolution for the observance of the Olympic Truce for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. The resolution was formally introduced to the General Assembly on behalf of the French Government by Tony Estanguet and IOC President Thomas Bach appealed for the adoption of this resolution.

It was agreed on by an overwhelming majority of 118 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions, and no votes against.

In his address to the UN General Assembly (read the full speech here) in New York, USA, President Bach spoke of the significance of the Olympic Truce at a time when the world is facing so much confrontation, division and polarisation:

“In this fragile world, this Olympic Truce Resolution is more relevant than ever. In these difficult times, this resolution is our opportunity to send an unequivocal signal to the world – yes, we can come together, even in times of wars and crises. Yes, we can join hands and work together for a better future.” 

He went on to say that the title of the resolution – “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal” – is a clear demonstration of the shared values of the UN and the IOC:

“The Olympic Games can contribute to this noble goal. Because the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. The Olympic athletes send the powerful message that: yes, it is possible to compete fiercely against each other and at the same time live peacefully together under one roof. This is our contribution to peace.”

The IOC President emphasised that sport “can only unite the entire world in peaceful competition if we are not torn apart by political, religious, cultural or other interests and differences. Therefore, we must be politically neutral and stand against any kind of discrimination.”

The UN Member States explicitly recognise the Olympic values of universality, non-discrimination, political neutrality and the autonomy of sport, as enshrined in the Olympic Charter, as well as the IOC’s role in leading the Olympic Movement. IOC President Bach thanked them for this particular recognition.

Underlining the unifying force of the Games, the IOC President noted: “the athletes, the entire Olympic community, billions of people around the world – all of us are looking forward to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which will truly be Olympic Games of a new era: more inclusive and more sustainable. They will be the first Olympic Games with full gender parity. The first Olympic Games inspired, planned and delivered in line with our Olympic Agenda reforms from start to finish.”

After noting the that the title of the resolution - “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal” - was the UN’s and IOC’s joint response to the challenges of our turbulent times, President Bach stated, “In this Olympic spirit, I call on you to come together, adopt the resolution, but then even more importantly: uphold this noble Olympic Truce.” He concluded with a call to all the UN Member States, when he said, “Please: Give Peace a Chance!”

In his introduction to the Session, which was delivered on his behalf by UNGA Vice President Mohan Pieris, UNGA President Dennis Francis said: “Beyond their impact on development, sports are a powerful force for peace. The Olympic Games stand as a symbol of tolerance, peace and cooperation among diverse peoples, cultures and nations.” He commended the IOC “for its commitment and contribution to gender parity. By allocating an equal number of quota places to male and female athletes, the IOC is not only leading by example, but also signalling a stride towards closing the gender pay gap.”

Closing his speech, he said: “Let us continue working together to reiterate our commitment to the values of the Olympic Truce, fostering an environment where understanding and collaboration prevail over conflict and strife. As we champion the cause of sports, let us always be reminded of its transformative power, particularly among the youth who comprise the next generation of humans to inherit this planet. I sound the clarion call: sports for peace and prosperity.”

Afterwards, UNGA President Francis welcomed the adoption of the resolution: “By uniting the world in peaceful competition, the Olympic and Paralympic Games make a powerful contribution to peace. They are organised in a spirit of peace, mutual understanding, friendship, tolerance and inadmissibility of discrimination of any kind, with the participation of all. This includes the requirement that sports events be organised under the authority of sports organisations, and the rules of sport have to apply. This principle has been recognised and confirmed again in today’s resolution: ‘Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal’. It calls on all UN Member States to cooperate with the IOC and the IPC in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation in areas of conflict, during and beyond the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The resolution calls for the Olympic Truce to be respected from seven days before the Olympic Games in July 2024 until seven days after the Paralympic Games.

The text of the resolution notably:

Calls for “support for the International Olympic Committee in its efforts to promote peace and human understanding through sport and the Olympic ideal”

Acknowledges “that the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 will be a unifying event, […] welcoming all the delegations of National Olympic and Paralympic Committees athletes and the Refugee Olympic and Paralympic Teams admitted by the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee to participate in the Games”

Notes “with appreciation that the IOC has allocated the same number of quota places to male and female athletes”

Recalls “that, in its resolution 77/28, it supported the independence and autonomy of sport as well as the mission of the International Olympic Committee in leading the Olympic Movement […] and recognized the unifying and conciliative nature of Olympic Games, […] organized in the spirit of peace, mutual understanding, friendship, tolerance and inadmissibility of discrimination of any kind”

Acknowledges “the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter”

“Urges Member States to observe the Olympic Truce” in order “to ensure the safe passage, access and participation of athletes, officials and all other accredited persons taking part in the Games of the Olympiad and the Paralympic Games, and to contribute through other appropriate measures to the safe organisation of the Games”

Welcomes “the leadership of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in promoting peace and human understanding through sport and the Olympic ideal”

“Calls upon all Member States to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation in areas of conflict during and beyond the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games”.

Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet formally introduced the resolution to the General Assembly on behalf of the French Government (please find the full speech here). He spoke about the example that the Games and the athletes living together in the Olympic Village give in an ever more divided world:

“The Olympic Village, where thousands of athletes from all over the world live together peacefully, is the most symbolic representation of the universality of the Games. It is a place where, whatever your nationality, gender or skin colour, you can live in harmony, respecting others. The Village is humanity united in one place, in all its diversity. Like this United Nations General Assembly, of which you are the worthy representatives, the Village and its athletes help to show that a better world is possible.”

He concluded by pointing out Paris’ willingness to play its part in building a better world through sport: “Today we bring you a strong message, a universal message in favour of peace, according to the Ancient Greek tradition of the Olympic Truce.” He went on: “I stand before you humbled by the course of world events, but also with the deep conviction that, more than ever, sport has a role to play and can help us take a step towards a better world. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 are ready to play their part.”

The tradition of the Olympic Truce – “Ekecheiria” – has been to ensure a halt of all hostilities, allowing the safe passage and participation of athletes and spectators taking part in the Olympic Games. The resolution reaffirms that the Olympic values of peace, solidarity and respect are as important across the world today as they were over 3,000 years ago, when the ancient Olympic Games first took place in Greece.

The main objectives pursued by the IOC through the Olympic Truce are to mobilise young people for the promotion of the Olympic ideal, to use sport to help build bridges between communities in conflict, and, more generally, to create a window of opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, and will be followed by the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September 2024.

Soure IOC

Comoros Coelacanthes pip Black Stars of Ghana

President of Comoros Island, Azali Assoumani has congratulated the Les Coelacanthes following their triumph over the Black Stars of Ghana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Black Stars missed a chance to go top of Group I as they were beaten in Moroni.

The pivotal moment in the match came in the 43rd minute when Myziane Maolida capitalized on a solo opportunity, receiving the ball from the midfield and scoring. it was their second straight win against the Black Stars.

However, Comoros leader, Azali Assoumani has commended his side for their win against Ghana.

"Congratulations to #Coelacanthes - brilliant and victorious against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Two matches, two victories to take the lead in Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. You are the pride of the Comorian people." #Veripiya

The Black Stars remain at three points after two rounds of games, while Comoros ascends to the top of the group with four points from two matches.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th African Games has debunked fake reports on the postponement of the competition scheduled for 8th to 23rd March 2024 in Accra.

The mass media space had in the past weeks witnessed reports indicating that the continental competition had been postponed indefinitely as a result of Government’s failure to complete venues to host the games. 

A statement signed by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, Executive Chairman of the 13th African Games said “The attention of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, has been drawn to a social media publication claiming that the 13th African Games have been postponed indefinitely. This is absolutely false and should be considered as FAKE NEWS”. 

According to the LOC, preparations were on course as Ghana would host over 53 countries in Accra.

It noted that the publication was a deliberate attempt by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals to cause disaffection for the Games and ward off potential sponsors.

It expressed the Government’s commitment to help organise and host a memorable event next year. 

“We therefore respectfully entreat all Ghanaians and lovers of Sports to remain resolute behind the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the LOC as we strive hard to organise one of the best African Games in the history of the tournament”, it urged. 

More than 5,000 athletes from over 53 countries are expected head to Accra for the continents biggest multi-sport event in less than four months.

In all, athletes would compete in 25 sporting disciplines which athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cycling, gymnastics, judo, swimming, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, volleyball, and wrestling were inclusive. 

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The highlight of Fight Night 17 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League was the introduction of Adaptive Boxing (Para Boxing) which got many fans on their feet as they enjoyed the night with excitement at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Disabled athletes, Emmanuel Abban and Samadu Sofo gave boxing fans something new to cheer about, and special appreciation must go to the trainers of the boxers, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabli and Coach Lartekwei Larty who have found time and energy to discover the talents hidden in some great Ghanaians.

Very soon they may have the opportunity to fight in bigger rings abroad and that would be the reward of the executives of the Ghana Adaptive Boxing Council (GABC) led by Mr. Collins Zoiku, Mr Abubakar Samba, Dr Kwamena Gyan Aquey, Obu-Nene-Teye Mensah Mark and Mr. Patrick Johnson.

The GABC licenses, sanctions and governs Adaptive boxing events in Ghana

Ghana Adaptive Boxing Council is a newly formed governing body for the sport of Para‐Boxing in Ghana. The Federation is committed to developing Para‐Boxing as a national sport, from the recreational to elite level, supporting establishment of regulation and best practices.

The body serves as a democratic hub for national Para‐Boxing gyms, clubs and supports the growth of regulation and sport safety in the country by providing rules, regulations and governance, structured progression pathways, educational systems and licensing, which are developed democratically through the Federation’s elected board, expert committees and member platforms.

This process is a pathway towards promoting Adaptive Boxing into becoming a recognized Paralympic sport whose ultimate objective is the same as highest formal recognition possible for any sport. Recognition is even more critical for the safeguarding of Para‐Boxing’s participants worldwide. The challenges for Para‐Boxing are great, but so are the opportunities, and the sport should have no lesser ambition.

The ultimate goal for any disabled sportsperson is to represent their country in in international competitions of the Paralympics is not an exception. However, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) says wheelchair boxing can only be considered for Paralympic participation if it meets the right criteria.

Para‐Boxing is the world’s fastest growing Parasport with an estimated 2.3 million followers across the globe.

By Sammy Heywood Okine